ANTI-BULLYING POLICY...Bullying is the repeated use of power by one or more people intentionally to hurt, harm, or affect the rights and needs of one or more individuals. Principles

Anti-Bullying Policy

Faughanvale P.S.

ANTI-BULLYING

POLICY Article 19: You have the right to be protected from being hurt or badly treated.

Signature of Chair of Board of Governors: __________________________

Signature of Principal: __________________________

Date: November 2017

Review Date: November 2018


Rationale As well as our statutory obligations in relation to pupils’ learning, we also have a pastoral responsibility towards the welfare of all children and staff in our school. We the staff of Faughanvale Primary School, accept that we have a significant role to play in the emotional, social, physical and personal development of our pupils. We believe that education should promote understanding, tolerance and friendships. Our Ethos

At Faughanvale Primary School we promise to create a safe and happy environment so that our pupils can learn to their full potential. At all times, the interests of our pupils are paramount. This is a Catholic school and our ethos will reflect all the positive aspects of this tradition. We are committed to maintaining a high standard of education. This includes:

A love of God and each other

A love of the world in which we live and a growing respect for how we should look after it

A love of life-long learning in all its strands Everyone who works here will be treated with respect and dignity to secure self-esteem. We will cherish, protect and guide all our pupils in order to safeguard values that they will carry forward in their future lives. As a Rights Respecting School, we place considerable emphasis on how children learn about their rights, the rights of others at school and at home and across the world. We will help them to realise their responsibility to society both locally and globally.

Our Mission Statement

‘Together we learn and grow’


GENERAL AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

We aim to provide quality experiences in all aspects of school life so as to enable our children to be happy, successful and keen to learn.

We aim to help our children grow into young people who are fulfilled and able to make a positive contribution to society.

We value the strong sense of our Catholic faith and aim to educate our children in the context of a warm welcoming Catholic ethos.

We value good behaviour in the classroom, the school environment and as representatives of our school in other venues. We will help children to appreciate the need for good behaviour, its importance and its benefits for everyone.

We aim to educate the whole child by presenting a total experience, which will enrich each according to their individual potential. In doing so we will foster the child’s intellectual, spiritual, physical, moral, social and cultural development, within the context of the Northern Ireland Curriculum.

We value, respect and believe that children should have a happy way of being together. Their self-respect should lead to a respect for the rights and needs of other children and adults from our own culture and community as well as from other cultures and communities.

We aim to help children for life in a rapidly changing world and will develop learning skills and values that will prepare the children for their future school lives.

All staff at Faughanvale Primary School work closely together in consultation with parents to ensure the welfare of the children in the school. The Principal or the class teacher will be pleased to discuss with parents any matters of concern they may have. If the discussion is likely to be lengthy an appointment will be arranged. In addressing bullying concerns, we as a school aim to:

Recognise bullying behaviour Develop an anti-bullying culture consistent with our Policies on Pastoral Care, Special Educational

Needs, Child Protection, Religion, Relationships and Sexuality Education, Intimate Care, Positive Behaviour as well as PDMU and classroom management strategies.

Develop practices which prevent or provide appropriate intervention in dealing with bullying. Ensure that bullying of any kind, among staff, between staff and pupils or between pupils will not

be tolerated in our school.

Participation and Consultation Process The views of the stakeholders are gathered to create this policy and to monitor and evaluate its effectiveness. The following methods are used:

Parental and staff questionnaires. Discussion and policy review at Board of Governors’ Meetings Obtaining pupils’ views through Circle Time activities, class discussions, assemblies, etc Awareness raising information evenings for parents, eg Internet Safety Meetings with Parents Staff Meetings


Definitions of Bullying By definition, bullying is behaviour that intentionally and persistently causes distress to others. Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) defines bullying as: “The repeated use of power by one or more people intentionally to harm, hurt or adversely affect the rights and needs of another or others” NIABF (2005) The Department of Education defines bullying as: “Deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for the victim to defend him/herself.” ‘Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour’ (2001)

Our Definition of Bullying Bullying is the repeated use of power by one or more people intentionally to hurt, harm, or affect the rights and needs of one or more individuals.

Principles and Purpose Through our Anti-Bullying Policy, we aim to promote and sustain an anti-bullying culture in order to protect the children in our school from harm and to safeguard their happiness and welfare so that they can learn in a relaxed and safe environment. Teachers will foster self-esteem, self-confidence, self-respect and worth among pupils and also promote respect for others, respect for differences and respect for the property of others throughout the day to day running of the school. We recognise that if bullying occurs, it is a concern for all of us, including pupils, teaching/ non-teaching staff, parents and Governors.

AIMS The aims of this policy are to:

Prevent or reduce bullying in any form.

Adopt a consistent approach to dealing with incidents of bullying.

Create an emotionally safe environment where positive relationships can develop.

Ensure that all pupils, parents and staff are aware of this policy and their roles and responsibilities in

contributing to its success.

This policy has been developed and is consistent with current legislation with particular reference to The

Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 and DE Circular 2003/13 – Welfare and Protection of

Pupils Education and Libraries (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

Specific articles of the legislation referring to the welfare and protection of pupils include the following:

Article 17 – Duty to Safeguard and Promote the Welfare of Pupils

Article 18 – Child Protection Matters

Article 19 – School Discipline: Measures to Prevent Bullying

‘Pastoral Care in Schools: Promoting Positive Behaviour’ (2001)

‘Pastoral Care in Schools: Child Protection’ (1999)


PRINCIPLES Pupils have a right to learn in a safe and supportive environment, free from intimidation and fear.

The welfare/well-being needs of all children and young people are paramount and pupils’ needs

(whether bully or targeted pupil) need to be separated from their behaviour.

When bullying concerns are identified our school will work in a restorative and solution focused way to

achieve the necessary change.

Pupils who are targeted will be listened to and supported.

Pupils who engage in bullying behaviour will be listened to and encouraged to accept responsibility and

change their behaviour.

Staff will receive awareness-raising training regarding bullying prevention including effective,

appropriate strategies for intervention.

Where a concern arises, staff will receive ongoing support from Senior Managers with Pastoral

responsibility.

Parents will be made aware of our school’s practice to prevent and to respond to concerns through

parent information meetings, consultation processes and where necessary, their active participation in

partnership with the school to resolve concerns involving their child.

INDIVIDUAL RESPONSIBILITIES

All members of the school community have a key role in promoting, implementing and supporting the Anti-

Bullying policy of Faughanvale Primary School. It is important that there is a collaborative whole school

approach to address any difficulties which may be encountered. Everyone should work together to create a

safe, happy and anti-bullying environment.

Staff should not minimise the importance of an incident or ignore it, nor should they assume that the matter will resolve itself in time. Roles and Responsibilities of all Staff:

Foster self-esteem, self-respect and respect for others; Demonstrate by example high standards of personal and social behaviour we expect from pupils; Discuss bullying with all classes, so that every pupil learns about the damage it causes to both the

child who is the target and to the child displaying bullying behaviour, and the importance of telling a teacher about bullying when it happens;

Be alert to signs of distress and other possible indications of bullying. Communicate with the parents of both the victim and the child displaying bullying behaviour. Listen to children who have been bullied, take what they say seriously and act to support and

protect them Report suspected cases of bullying to Mrs McGroarty, the Principal. Follow up any complaint by a parent about bullying, firstly completing an incident form and then

report back promptly and fully on the action which has been taken. Deal with observed instances of bullying promptly and effectively in accordance with agreed

procedures.


Pupils’ Responsibilities We expect pupils to:

Refrain from becoming involved in any kind of bullying behaviour, even at the risk of incurring temporary unpopularity.

Intervene to protect the pupil who is the target of bullying behaviour, unless it is unsafe to do so. Report to a member of staff any witnessed or suspected instances of bullying, to dispel any

climate of secrecy and help to prevent further instances. Avoid inappropriate behaviour which might be considered bullying

Be respectful and supportive to others.

Anyone who becomes a target of bullying behaviour should;

Not suffer in silence, but have the courage to speak out, to put an end to his/her own suffering and that of other potential targets.

Parents’ Responsibilities

We ask parents to support their children and the school by;

Watching for signs of distress or unusual behaviour in their children, which might be evidence of bullying behaviour.

Advising their children to report any bullying behaviour to their teacher or Mrs McGroarty and explain the implication of allowing the bullying behaviour to continues unchecked, for themselves and for others.

Advising their children not to retaliate violently to any form of bullying behaviour. Being sympathetic and supportive towards their children and reassuring them that appropriate

action will be taken. Inform the school of suspected bullying behaviour, even if their children are not involved. Co-operate with the school if their child is accused of bullying behaviour, try to ascertain the truth

and point out the implications of bullying behaviour, both for the children who are the target and for the pupil who is displaying bullying behaviour.

Governors should:

Be kept up to date with any on-going concerns and how the school has been involved in supporting those involved.

Be aware of the Anti-bullying policy and all other relevant policies.


FORMS OF BULLYING

Bullying can take many different forms and is behaviour that intentionally and persistently causes distress to

others.

PHYSICAL BULLYING e.g. hitting; pushing; kicking; tripping; spitting; hair pulling; throwing things; interfering with another’s property by stealing / hiding / damaging / intruding upon it; - extortion / threatening demands for money or other items - writing or drawing offensive notes / graffiti about another

VERBAL BULLYING e.g. name calling; insulting or offensive remarks; accusing; taunting; put downs - ridiculing another’s appearance/way of speaking/disability/personal mannerisms/race/colour/religion; - humiliating another publicly - spreading malicious or nasty rumours; threatening; intimidation; mocking; sarcasm

EMOTIONAL BULLYING e.g. excluding/shunning others from group activity/social setting or play; - belittling another’s abilities or achievements; - menacing looks/stares; - rude signs or gestures

CYBER BULLYING e.g. misuse of e-mails, images, text, blogs, tweets, forums and chat rooms to hurt /embarrass /demean /harass /provoke or humiliate another using perceived anonymity - misuse of mobile phones by text messaging /calls or images – again to hurt /embarrass /demean /harass /provoke or humiliate another using perceived anonymity - unauthorised publication or manipulation of private information; impersonation

We intend to protect all children, including those most at risk, such as the disadvantaged, disbled, ethnic minorities, children with Special Educational Needs etc.

These categories may be inter-related

Signs of stress in pupils which may indicate Bullying

Child’s unwillingness to attend school / lateness /erratic attendance. Avoidance, hanging back from playground or staying late at school. Deterioration of work or mislaid books, money, equipment or belongings / under achievement. Spurious illness / non specific pains, headaches, tummy upsets, withdrawn, loss of appetite. Nail biting / flinching / jumpiness / forgetfulness / distractibility. Impulsive hitting out / out of character temper, flare up or restlessness / sudden aggressiveness. Stresses manifested at home – bed wetting / insomnia / nightmares / restlessness and irritability. Reluctance to sit beside or near certain pupils / hesitant to walk home.

(N.B. whilst these behaviours may be symptomatic of other problems – bullying may be one reason)


STRATEGIES TO PREVENT OR REDUCE BULLYING

Faughanvale Primary School has established and will maintain the following strategies to prevent and reduce bullying behaviour: Proactive Strategies to ensure awareness is raised.

Reactive Strategies The following steps will be taken when dealing with incidents:

Formulation (involving all stakeholders) and communication of school wide rules concerning Positive

Behaviour expectations (eg classroom rules, posters, displays, incentives, pupil awards, school assemblies,

workshops)

School Curriculum which addresses prejudice, discrimination and Social/Emotional Learning (PDMU)

School wide supervision and effective, consistent behaviour management by all staff

Opportunities for developing Positive Peer Relationships (Circle time strategies and training provided re.

Peer Support/Playground Friends schemes and Class/School Council)

If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff who has been approached.

Attempts will be made to resolve the situation quickly. Reports will be taken seriously. Steps will be taken to ensure the child feels safe and secure. Significant incidents will involve further investigation and recording. A clear account reported

to the appropriate members of staff i.e. class teacher / head of Key Stage / Vice Principal / Principal / Designated Teacher for Child Protection.

Significant or repeated incidents will require parents to be informed. Disciplinary measures / sanctions, which are proportionate and clearly set out in the Positive

Behaviour Policy, will be explained and used.

Promote School Ethos at all times (as regards Bullying – be a TELLING / LISTENING / RESPONDING school).

Awareness of Rights and Responsibilities through UNCRC. Recognise and reward good behaviour. Use of creative learning to enhance social and emotional skills through co-operative play and

learning, creative writing, music, shared reading, drama, role play and art.. Ensure that all staff (teaching and non-teaching), parents and pupils and all members of the

school community are aware of the school code of conduct as set out in the Positive Behaviour Policy.

School assemblies – addressing Bullying and providing Anti-Bullying Strategies. Vigilant supervision – playground / general school environment. Consultation with School Council. Use of PDMU lessons / Circle time. Promotion of Playground Friends / Buddy Bus Stop (Specified area in the playground). Questionnaires and audits carried out by pupils, parent and staff. Good parental communication. Awareness raising eg P1 Parent Induction meetings, class information meetings, School

Policies Booklet issued, newsletters, website. Awareness of national Anti-Bullying Week (in November each year). Use of outside agencies – NSPCC, Childline, PSNI, Behaviour Support Team. Staff training / effective communication. Peace IV Project


PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH BULLYING The 2016, Addressing Bullying in Schools Act, requires Boards of Governors to secure measures to prevent bullying.

When dealing with bullying behaviour the school will aim to:

1. Stop the bullying behaviour. 2. Protect and support the bullied pupil. 3. Change the attitude and behaviour of the bully.

Every child can make mistakes and can behave in ways that are hurtful to others. In most cases a quiet word and an explanation of how others feel is sufficient to make a difference. Children can and do learn over time how to care for themselves and for others. We believe that learning from mistakes and being genuinely sorry for them is part of growing up to be a socially well adjusted person. We believe much can be achieved by talking with the perpetrator and the victim to achieve a resolution and reconciliation. In some cases, however, talking things through will not make enough of a difference and in these cases we reserve the right to apply a range of sanctions

Staff will not minimise the importance of an incident or ignore it, nor should they assume that the matter will resolve itself in time. Staff will remain calm and non-judgemental at all times. They will record concerns on the ‘Bullying Incident Form’ (Appendix 1)

Address each situation in line with procedure Work collaboratively with all relevant members of the school community, developing positive

partnerships with parents. Diffuse the situation by separating the pupil who is displaying the bullying behaviour and the

target. Disperse any by-standers Act firmly in a measured manner, avoiding any sudden movements which might be construed as

aggression. If physical restraint is necessary, it should be applied in accordance with the guidelines set out in Circular 1999/09 and also Safe Handling guidance.

Indicate clearly to the pupil/s displaying bullying behaviour that the school does not tolerate bullying under any circumstances and that they will be dealt with later.

Provide reassurance, support and protection for the pupil who was the target, and set the soonest possible time if not immediately for the Principal to discuss what has happened, the background and what should now happen to make things better. At this point a bullying incident form should be completed.

If behaviour persists the name of the pupil displaying bullying behaviour will be added to Special Needs Register as bullying is a behavioural difficulty. The class teacher and the SENCo will then ensure that a specific plan is put in place to help tackle the behaviour problem. As per SEN protocol, the parents will be consulted and will help decide appropriate targets for their child. Should attempts to curb bullying behaviour fail, the SENCo will enlist the help of the Education Welfare Officer and the Behaviour Support Team. The child will then progress through the Stages of the Code of Practice as necessary.


Intervention When signs of bullying have occurred, the school will employ the following intervention strategies.

STAGE 1 – at this stage staff will use this 5 step model to resolve initial bullying concerns.

All staff will:

1. Listen to concerns when reported, remaining neutral and avoiding closed questions. 2. Identify those involved in the bullying incident and convene a meeting as soon as possible to

address the concerns. 3. Explain the problem to everyone, giving each pupil the opportunity to talk. The discussion will

focus on finding a solution and stopping the bullying from recurring. 4. The pupils are helped to come up with ideas so as to find a solution to their personal

disagreement and then to discuss how their proposals will be put into action. This will help all concerned to take a shared responsibility towards resolving the concern.

5. A follow-up meeting/discussion will be arranged to find out whether the solution has been effective or not.

Other appropriate members of staff will be informed i.e. class teacher, non-teaching staff, head of Key Stage, Vice-Principal, Principal. Incidents will be recorded as appropriate.

STAGE 2

If the problem is not resolved staff will:

1. Implement procedures within the hierarchy of sanctions (refer to Positive Behaviour Policy). 2. Continue to monitor the situation and follow procedures as agreed. (See Appendix 1 Procedure for

reporting an incident – significant/repeated/or serious one-off incident). 3. Record details as appropriate (See Appendix 1 Bullying Incident Form). 4. Contact parents if necessary at any stage of the procedures, depending on the seriousness of the

bullying e.g. phone call, letter or request for interview by class teacher / Head of Key Stage / Vice Principal / Principal.

5. Contact outside network of support at any stage of the procedures e.g. Education Welfare Officer, Behaviour Support Team, PSNI.

TEACHING ABOUT BULLYING This will be delivered and reinforced through various areas of the curriculum: In Foundation and Key Stage 1 classes (P1-P4) children will be taught to be aware of different forms of bullying and how to develop personal strategies to resist unwanted behaviour. This message will be reinforced in Key Stage 2 classes (P5-P7) when children will be encouraged to recognise, discuss and understand the nature of bullying and the harm that can result from it. A variety of opportunities will arise through:

The RE and RSE curriculum The Rights Respecting Schools Initiative Health Education and PDMU Developing co-operative play Literacy, including: Creative writing, discussion of novels, drama, role play World Around Us including: care of the environment, the music curriculum Circle Time, Class and School councils.


RESOURCES FOR THE PREVENTION OF BULLYING We encourage a ‘whole-school approach’ in which children and adults work together to create an environment where everybody gets a clear message that bullying is wrong and will not be tolerated, that bullying behaviour of all kinds must be challenged.

All school staff, teaching and non-teaching, will be familiar with the Anti-Bullying Policy and procedures for dealing with reports of bullying.

Awareness raising posters are displayed in classrooms and corridors and on our Child Protection notice board.

Appropriate leaflets and literature will be provided for the children. Children will be encouraged to understand their roles in preventing bullying using, for

example, drama; role-play and novels. Children will be guided to understand the feelings of bullied children and to practise the skills they need to avoid bullying.

Use of ‘Worry Boxes’ in KS2 classrooms. Peer support is offered from P6/7 children trained as ‘Playground Friends’ Parents will be issued with a copy of the school’s Anti-Bullying policy every two years. They

will be aware of procedures to use if they are concerned that their child is being bullied or does not feel safe to learn.

LINKS WITH OTHER POLICIES

Faughanvale Primary School’s Anti-Bullying Policy is set in the context of our Pastoral Care Programme and

reflects our Mission Statement. It links with other policies such as:

Safeguarding & Child Protection Pastoral Care Positive Behaviour

Special Educational Needs Health & Safety Curricular Policies

RACE EQUALITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES All children have equal access to the curriculum regardless of their race, gender, disability or ability. Teachers plan work that is differentiated so that all groups and individuals can achieve their potential and are committed to creating a positive climate that will enable everyone to work free from racial intimidation and harassment. MONITORING AND EVALUATION This policy was formulated by Mrs McGroarty in consultation with school Governors, staff, pupils and parents. It has been approved by the Board of Governors and it is the intention of the staff to review and update it regularly. It is important to remember that staff, pupils and parents all have an active part to play and have a responsibility to ensure an effective implementation and maintenance of this policy. Record Keeping A file will be kept in the Principal’s office containing Bullying Behaviour Incident Forms and Follow up Forms to any incident, outlining the action taken and the outcome of that action. At the end of each school year, staff will be requested to give an update on the progress of the children who have been the target as well as those who displayed the bullying behaviour.


Resources

Effective Responses To Bullying Behaviour- NIABF NIABF website

USEFUL WEBSITES & TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Department of Education www.deni.gov.uk

Northern Ireland Anti Bullying Forum www.niabf.org.uk

www.thinkuknow.org

Childline NI 0800 1111

NSPCC (FullStop) campaign 0808 800 5000

Appendix A

http://www.deni.gov.uk/

http://www.niabf.org.uk/

http://www.thinkuknow.org/


Appendix 1

Alleged Bullying Incident Form (i.e. significant / repeated / or serious one-off incident)

Name (s) Gender Class/Room Complainant(s)

Alleged child (children

who has been bullied

(if different from

above)

Alleged child

(children) who has

displayed bullying

behaviour

Date of incident: Location of incident: Type of incident: Please tick/circle appropriate types Physical Bullying (includes jostling, physical intimidation, interfering with personal property (stealing, damaging, intruding upon it) punching/kicking, any other physical contact which may include hair pulling, spitting or use of ‘weapon’, extortion, writing/drawing offensive notes.) Verbal Bullying (includes name calling, insults, jokes, threats, spreading malicious rumours, ridicule of another’s appearance/disability/personal mannerisms/way of speaking, humiliating another publicly, mocking, sarcasm, intimidation) Emotional Bullying (includes isolation, refusal to work with/talk to/play with/help others, mobbing the individual, belittling another’s abilities, or achievements, menacing looks, stares or rude gestures) Cyber Bullying (please specify) ___________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________


Details of Incident Action/support for child(ren) who has/have been bullied i.e. on-going support / monitoring from staff (including time frame of follow up action required) Parental involvement (please specify e.g. dates and details of information received)

NAME OF STAFF MEMBER(S) INVOLVED: _____________________________________

Date: _____________________________________


Documents

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY...Bullying is the repeated use of power by one or more people intentionally to hurt, harm, or affect the rights and needs of one or more individuals. Principles