Anti-Bullying

At the Convent of Jesus and Mary Catholic Infant School & Nursery we take bullying seriously. Pupils and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported to a member of staff.

What is Bullying?

Bullying can be defined as a physical, psychological, or verbal attack against an individual or group of individuals by a person or group of persons, causing physical or psychological harm to the victim. It is usually conscious and wilful and commonly consists of repeated acts of aggression and/or manipulation. It can take a number of forms – both physical and non-physical, either in combination or in isolation. Any bullying, whether physical or non-physical, may result in lasting psychological damage to the individual.

Bullying generally falls into one or a combination of the following categories:

• Physical Bullying – Unprovoked assault on a person or group which can range from a ‘prod’ to grievous bodily harm.
• Psychological – Reduction of a person’s self-esteem or confidence through threatening behaviour, taunting, or teasing about race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, family circumstances, appearance, or any other feature of their lives which can be used to wound or humiliate them.
• Social - Ostracism/rejection by peer group.
• Verbal – The use of language in a derogatory or offensive manner, such as swearing, racist or sexist abuse, sexual innuendo, spreading rumours, etc.
• Cyber bullying – Using mobile phones or the internet to deliberately upset someone.
• Homophobic – Any hostile or offensive action against lesbians, gay males, bisexuals or trans-gender people, or those perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans-gender.

How do we educate our pupils about Bullying?

Each year, we take part in Anti-Bullying Week (held in the month of November). Anti-Bullying Week shines a spotlight on bullying and encourages all pupils, teachers and parents to take action against bullying. However, we hold Anti-Bullying events throughout the year, with several assemblies and different activities designed at educating our pupils about what bullying is and how to deal with its different forms effectively. We also teach our pupils about bullying through our robust PSHE curriculum SCARF, and as a Catholic School we also teach our pupils to make good sensible choices in the way they behave, help them understand the consequences of poor choices. Encourage our pupils to reflect on and understand the Gospel Values of love, forgiveness and reconciliation, our Learning Behaviours, and our School Rules.

Procedures

• Pupils should report bullying incidents to a member staff or an adult they trust. All bullying incidents will be investigated by the Class Teacher, Phase Leader, Acting Assistant Headteacher or the Headteacher and recorded on CPOMS.
• Parents must report any bullying incidences to the Class Teacher in the first instance. Parents may be asked to attend a meeting to discuss the incident.
• The incident will be investigated and addressed immediately and without delay.
• Feedback will be given to the parents in a timely manner.
• The school accepts that any child may display bullying behaviour and we will work with the child/children to ensure they understand the choices they have made, how might they change their behaviour and the consequences that may apply, including an apology.
• We will always encourage our pupils to follow the Gospel Values of Love, forgiveness, and reconciliation, building bridges and be reflective.
• In very serious cases a fixed term exclusion may be necessary (please see Behaviour Policy).
• If necessary and appropriate, external agencies may be consulted to provide support.

Supporting Organisations and Guidance

• Anti-Bullying Alliance: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
• Beat Bullying: www.beatbullying.org
• Childline: www.childline.org.uk
• DfE: “Preventing and Tackling Bullying. Advice for headteachers, staff and governing bodies”, and “Supporting children and young people who are bullied: advice for schools” March 2014: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/preventing-and-tackling-bullying
• DfE: “No health without mental health”: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/no-health-without-mental-health-a-cross-government-outcomes-strategy
• Family Lives: www.familylives.org.uk
• Kidscape: www.kidscape.org.uk
• MindEd: www.minded.org.uk
• NSPCC: www.nspcc.org.uk
• PSHE Association: www.pshe-association.org.uk
• Restorative Justice Council: www.restorativejustice.org.uk
• The Diana Award: www.diana-award.org.uk
• Victim Support: www.victimsupport.org.uk
• Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk
• Young Carers: www.youngcarers.net

Cyberbullying

• Childnet International: www.childnet.com
• Digizen: www.digizen.org
• Internet Watch Foundation: www.iwf.org.uk
• Think U Know: www.thinkuknow.co.uk
• UK Safer Internet Centre: www.saferinternet.org.uk

LGBT

• EACH: www.eachaction.org.uk
• Pace: www.pacehealth.org.uk
• Schools Out: www.schools-out.org.uk
• Stonewall: www.stonewall.org.uk

SEND

• Changing Faces: www.changingfaces.org.uk
• Mencap: www.mencap.org.uk
• DfE: SEND code of practice: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/send-code-of-practice-0-to-25

Racism and Hate

• Anne Frank Trust: www.annefrank.org.uk
• Kick it Out: www.kickitout.org
• Report it: www.report-it.org.uk
• Stop Hate: www.stophateuk.org
• Show Racism the Red Card: www.srtrc.org/educational