Belvoir Park Primary School

Bullying Policy

Any behaviour that makes another pupil in school feel unhappy, threatened or frightened.

Bullying: Some facts

is found in all schools and communities

can be countered effectively

it is a learned behaviour

it can be unlearned

a bully needs help to change

recipients need protection and empowerment

we do not want it in school or in our community

Victims can suffer from:

depression

low self-esteem

fear of meeting strangers

guilt and shame

social isolation

psychosomatic diseases

agoraphobia

anxiety and panic attacks

timidity

Bullies long term can be, and have:

uncontrollable and aggressive behaviour

criminal convictions

alcohol abuser

child care problems

employment problems

marital breakdown

psychiatric disorders

Bullying may be defined as:

deliberate aggression both mental and physical

unequal power relationships

Behaviour that results in pain and distress

How we monitor bullying in school:

all adults and children look out for and report any case of bullying to the appropriate adult up to and including the principal

adults actively seek out bullying behaviour during normal and targeted teaching within Kidscape and Circle-time, which will be phased into school

through parental conversations

from local knowledge and friends in the community

from statutory Agencies etc.

Reporting procedure in school:

1. Pupil/pupils to class teacher or support staff

2. Pastoral Care Teacher

3. Principal – Mr Tate

4. Chairperson – Dr. Crooks

5. Statutory Agencies or Police, as required

Mr. Tate is the senior person responsible for Pastoral Care both he and the Pastoral Care Teacher, Mr McBurney, have been trained to cope with all reports of a pastoral nature. The Vice-Principal and Chairperson are also closely involved in the process.

Where an adult in school is involved, statutory legislation will be followed.

Bullying behaviour will be treated in the following manner:

INTERVENTION – IMMEDIATE ACTION

set clear expectations

school contract – introduce a bullying contract for the bully

bullying will NEVER be ignored

explain consequences

everyone should know what will happen if bullying continues up to and including expulsion

stop the bullying

remove bully to cool down

have a time-out place for bullies

reassure victims

make a sincere apology to the victim

find bully ways to atone

set in motion schools’ agreed ant-bullying procedures and sanctions

parents of both victim and bully are informed

HELPING VICTIMS:

teach them to cope with teasing

encourage them to talk

make a list of what to say

act out through role-play ways to cope

shout "NO" at a mirror

practise walking and standing confidently – check in a mirror

draw or write about feelings

eliminate obvious causes of bullying

CHANGING BULLY’S BEHAVIOUR:

Admit, Acknowledge, apologise, atone

explain what is expected of bully if they are to remain in school

discuss and set short term goals, put them in writing and get the bully and their family to sign

reward achievement/good behaviour

praise

role-play/empathy with victim

practise stress control, relaxation, walking away

If bullying continues:

Expulsion will be the ultimate sanction and will be used in the shortest time possible.

Training:

The Pastoral Care teacher will provide on-going training for pupils, parents, Governors and adults in school. This will be included in the Staff Development Programme.

Promotion of Policy:

in school programmes such as Kidscape and Circle-time

parent’s meetings

Information sheets

Governors' meetings

on the World Wide Web

A written record will be kept of all reports of bullying and this will form the basis of any future investigations.

Our children and staff do not want a bully in this school.