TERRINGTON HALL SCHOOL
ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
Though bullying is rare at Terrington Hall, and pupils do not identify bullying as a problem within the school it has to be recognised as a potential problem which can occur and needs known policies and procedures. We recognise the seriousness of bullying, in that it can cause psychological damage (although bullying is not a specific criminal offence, there are criminal laws which apply to harassment and threatening behaviour).
This policy is provided, not only to parents of day and boarding pupils, but is available and known to all staff and pupils both boarding and day, including junior and newly appointed staff.
There are no initiation ceremonies at Terrington Hall.
DEFINITION OF BULLYING:
Bullying is repeated behaviour which makes other people feel uncomfortable or threatened whether this is intended or not. Bullying is something the school takes very seriously.
There are different sorts of bullying, but the main types are:
• PHYSICAL: Hitting, kicking, taking or hiding belongings, including money.
• VERBAL: Name calling and teasing of an individual on any grounds, including racial, religious, cultural, sexual/sexist, homophobic, special educational needs and disability
• EMOTIONAL: Being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting, spreading rumours, looks.
• CYBER: Social websites, mobile 'phones, text messages, photographs and email
AIMS
The aim of our anti-bullying policy is to clarify for pupils and staff that bullying is always unacceptable. We wish to encourage an environment where independence is celebrated and individuals can flourish without fear. Every member of the school community (child and adult) has the right to be safe and happy in school, and to be protected when she or he is feeling vulnerable.
Pro-active emphasis on good behaviour and relationships between all age groups is encouraged in the form of weekly Form Tutor Time, P.S.H.E. lessons and Assemblies which should frequently involve issues related to caring and respect for others.
POSSIBLE SIGNS
People react differently. It is not always possible to tell if someone is hurt or upset. Pupils who are being bullied may show changes in behaviour, such as becoming shy and nervous, feigning illness or clinging to adults. They may show changes in their work patterns, may lack concentration or may even truant from school.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO TELL
It is important that we create an atmosphere in the school where pupils who are being bullied, or others who know about it, feel that they will be listened to and believed, and that action taken will be swift but sensitive to their concerns.
Not telling protects the bully or bullies, and gives the message that they can continue, perhaps bullying others too.
PROCEDURES
In the first instance, it is important to make it clear to the victim that revenge is not appropriate, and to the bully that his or her behaviour is unacceptable, and has caused distress. The emphasis should be on the behaviour and the recognition that bullying in any form is unacceptable rather than on the punishing of the child. Every effort is made to resolve the problem through counselling of both parties. Pupils who are being bullied will therefore be suitably supported and pupils who may bully others must also be given suitable help and guidance.
The child/young person must be involved in the discussion and written records must be completed and kept on file. These should be signed by all parties.
At this stage, parents of both parties are informed of what has happened, and how it has been dealt with. Regular communication must continue to take place with the parents or carers. It is vital that everything that happens continues to be recorded in a clear and factual way.
Interventions should include the opportunity for follow up in order to evaluate support and if necessary provide a further course of action. If the bullying behaviour continues, and counselling has not worked, then sanctions follow. It is important that counselling is maintained for both parties, even when sanctions have been applied.
TO PUPILS
If you are being bullied, or you know that someone else is, please tell us straight away and it will be dealt with. Not telling means the victim will continue to suffer and the bully will carry on, probably with others too. We all have a responsibility to make sure that bullying is not allowed to continue in our school. Pupils should be regularly made aware of the channels they could choose should they feel they are bullied or vulnerable or unfairly treated by anyone. They may feel happier talking to any of these - prefect, matron, form tutor, member of teaching staff, headmaster or his wife. In the case of a new pupil, he or she should talk to their ‘lookerafterer.
TO PARENTS
If you think your daughter or son may be being bullied, or she or he tells you that she or he is, please let us know straight away. Please reassure your child that we will deal with it sensitively but firmly. If your child tells us she or he is being bullied, or we discover that she or he is bullying others, we will contact you, and will discuss together how the situation can be improved.
TO TEACHERS
If you think that bullying is happening, talk to the pupils concerned and ask them what has been happening. Either ask them to write it down, or do so yourself, so that is can be passed on to the Head or Deputy Head. We need to be particularly vigilant at breaks, in changing rooms and travelling times and where victims are more vulnerable - bullying is not easily seen.
Curriculum work can enhance this policy in two ways.
1. By dealing with the topic of bullying, in a way, which explores why it happens and giving alternative ways of behaving, and dealing with difficulties.
2. By using teaching methods, which encourage co-operative work and a variety of groupings, so that students extend their relationships beyond a small group of friends.
3. By holding regular boarding meetings with Matrons and support staff
4. By holding regular prefects' meetings with Year 8 form tutors/Headmaster.
5. By having regular opportunities for the Head of School and Deputy to meet with the Headmaster
SANCTIONS
Many incidents of bullying can be dealt with effectively without the use of sanctions, however, the school will apply them in order to protect a child who is a victim of persistent bullying behaviour.
Sanctions must be applied fairly, proportionately, consistently and reasonably taking into account SEN, disabilities or vulnerability the pupil may have.
Bullying by children with disabilities or SEN is no more acceptable than by anyone else, but for a
sanction to be lawful, there must be consideration of the extent to which the child understands
and is in control of what they are doing.
Sanctions must be clear and suitably stepped. These will include:-
• Detentions held at lunchtimes and Saturday afternoons
• Referral to SMT
• Loss of privileges - shop/weekend or evening outings
• Formal warnings - being put on a ‘report card' which has to be signed each day by HM or Deputy
• Contacting parents
• Removal of positions of responsibility - prefect's tie, captaincy of a team
• Provision for a child to be withdrawn from a situation, under supervision, if thought necessary
• Exclusion ( fixed term and permanent)
• Exclusion from boarding
• The use of an external agency or panel
JUNIOR SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
The general principles of this policy apply to all Years. However, a more informal and a ‘lighter touch' should be used when dealing with possible problems which may concern Pre-Prep children.
Member of Staff responsible for this policy : Headmaster
Review Date : September 2012
Legislation : None
