Policies and Procedures

Definition

Bullying may be defined as "behaviour by one or more people which produces damaging or hurtful effects, physically or emotionally, to any individual".

Principles

The following principles, which underline this policy, are based on the values and aims of Harton School.

1. The school recognises the detrimental effects on students who may be subjected to bullying and will work actively to minimise its occurrence.
2. Students at Harton are entitled to expect to enjoy a secure, happy and friendly environment in which they may learn effectively. The school will do its utmost to establish and sustain such an environment.
3. All bullying is unacceptable, regardless of its form or which excuses are given to justify it.
4. The school values all of its students equally, regardless of age, ability, race, gender, religion or class. All victims of bullying will be treated in a supportive manner.

Objectives

1. To reduce and eradicate wherever possible instances in which students are subjected to bullying in any form.
2. To take steps to minimise the likelihood of the occurrence of bullying.
3. To establish appropriate means of providing support should an incident of bullying occur.
4. To meet any legal obligations which rest with the school.

Persons covered by this policy

All pupils, whether permanently or temporarily on the school roll, will be covered by this policy.

Action to combat bullying

Among the activities which the school will establish and maintain in an effort to combat bullying are:

1. The use of Guidance, tutorial time and other elements of the curriculum to raise students' awareness of bullying issues and to develop students' assertiveness in order that they might feel able to deal with bullying situations.
2. The encouragement of adults to serve as good role models for students.
3. Regularly reminding students that Harton is a 'Telling School' in which reports of bullying incidents should be made quickly and will be heard sympathetically.
4. A quick response to any report of bullying.
5. Sanctions against perpetrators.
6. Support for victims of bullying.
7. The recording of all bullying incidents in a Bullying Register.
8. The monitoring of victims and bullies and the provision of special arrangements for any students considered to be high risk.
9. Regular review and consideration of factors which may influence the risks of bullying behaviour occurring eg. the school environment, supervision arrangements, school routine and procedures.
10. Communication of the policy to all staff, students and parents in order to ensure that all concerned are aware of the policy and of their individual responsibilities.
11. The issue to all staff (including ancillary staff) of guidelines which enables everyone to play an active role in combating bullying.
12. An annual review of this policy which may be amended in the light of review and of changing circumstances.

The Individual Responsibility of Students

It is important that students recognise the difficulties which staff may encounter in their efforts to ensure the effective implementation of the policy on combating bullying. In this regard, students are expected to:

1. Report all incidents of bullying to a member of staff.
2. Act in a respectful and supportive manner to their fellow students, reporting any suspected incidents which the victim may be afraid to report.
3. Refrain at all times from any behaviour which would contribute to the bullying of fellow students.
4. Adhere to and promote the principles and objectives of this policy statement.

The Role of Parents

1. Stressing to students the importance of sociable behaviour.
2. Reporting any concerns they may have concerning either victims or perpetrators of bullying.
3. Actively supporting and promoting the policy on combating bullying.

Procedures for Evaluation

In order to assess the effectiveness of this policy, the following measures will be used:

1. Variations in the number of reported incidents over a given period.
2. Variations in the number of student days lost which are suspected of arising as a consequence of bullying.
3. Variation in the incidence of bullying as indicated by individual incident returns within given periods for different age groups.

Responsibility for implementation of the policy

Ultimately, responsibility for the implementation of this policy will rest with the school's Governing Body and Head Teacher. However, all staff, students and their parents will have an active role in its evaluation, development and day-to-day maintenance.

Guidelines on Combating Bullying

These guidelines are intended to complement the School Policy Statement on Combating Bullying. All members of staff, parents, pupils and ancillary staff will be given a copy of this policy.

Bullying may come to the attention of staff in two ways.

1. First-hand observation by a member of the school staff.
   
   
   • If a member of staff witnesses bullying taking place, efforts should be made to stop it immediately.
   • The facts should be determined by questioning both victim and perpetrator. If possible, information from other witnesses should also be obtained.
   • This information should be written down on a referral sheet indicating clearly that this is a 'BULLYING' referral. Use the same referral sheet for victims and perpetrators.
   • The referral should be given directly to the Head of Year.
   • The Head of Year will discuss the matter with the relevant form tutor(s).
   • The Head of Year will enter the details of the bullying incident into the computerised student database.
   • The Form Tutor(s) will be required to monitor the student(s) concerned.
     
     
2. Referral by student, friends or parents
   
   
   • Student Referrals
     
     
     • If the student is very upset, sit him/her down and give time to listen.
     • The facts should be determined by questioning both victim and perpetrator. If possible, information from other witnesses should also be obtained.
     • If a bullying situation arises while you are teaching, make time to see those involved later. If the problem requires immediate attention, send a reliable student to the 'On Call' teacher with a request for urgent assistance.
     • When possible, produce a written report of the student's account. If necessary, ask the student to write their own statement. (v) If possible, take immediate action to address the problem. In any eventuality, pass on to the Head of Year a written account via a referral sheet which is clearly marked 'BULLYING'.
       
       
   • Referral by friends
     
     
     • Carry out an initial investigation. This may be difficult if the victim resents your intervention and refuses to co-operate.
     • Steps (iii) - (vii) in section 1 (above) will follow.
       
       
   • Parent Referrals
     • Any parental concerns regarding bullying should immediately be passed on, in writing to the Head of Year.
     • Where a Form Tutor receives such a referral, he/she should investigate the matter and report findings on the Bullying referral sheet which is sent to the Head of Year.
     • Parents should be told that they will be contacted as soon as possible in order to inform them of the results of investigations and of the action which the school is likely to take. Some contact should be made within 24 hours.
       
       
3. Associate Staff
   
   
   • Associate staff have an important part to play in combating bullying. If a bullying situation is encountered, efforts should be made to stop it immediately. Details should be reported as quickly as possible, preferably in writing, to a member of the SMT or to the relevant Head of Year.