Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another person either physically or emotionally. It is not the same as a one-off falling out or disagreement - though those are taken seriously too.

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Bullying can include name calling, taunting, mocking, making offensive comments, hitting, taking belongings, gossiping, excluding people from groups, and spreading hurtful or untruthful rumours.

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The same behaviours can happen online - this is known as cyberbullying. This includes offensive or upsetting messages sent by phone, text, instant messenger, gaming platforms, social media or apps, and the sharing of degrading photos or videos.

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We recognise that bullying is a form of child-on-child abuse. Abuse is abuse - it should never be passed off as banter, "just having a laugh" or part of growing up.

Bullying can happen to anyone. We take all forms seriously, including:

• Physical bullying
• Emotional bullying
• Bullying related to race, religion, faith, ethnicity or nationality
• Bullying related to physical appearance or home circumstances
• Bullying related to disability or special educational needs
• Bullying related to sexual orientation
• Gender-based bullying
• Cyberbullying and online harassment
• Sexualised bullying or harassment

Every concern is taken seriously and acted on immediately. When bullying is reported or suspected:

• The member of staff who is approached will deal with it straight away
• The child who has been affected will be supported and kept safe
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead will be informed, especially where there may be safeguarding concerns
• The Headteacher or a senior leader will speak with all parties involved
• A clear record of the incident and the action taken will be kept
• Parents and carers will be kept informed throughout
• Appropriate support and consequences will follow, in line with our Behaviour Policy

We also act on bullying that takes place off school site or outside school hours - including online.

Children who have been bullied are supported by:

• Immediate reassurance and pastoral care
• The opportunity to talk with a trusted member of staff, including the DSL, or a member of staff of their choice
• Ongoing support to restore confidence and self-esteem
• Involvement in any decisions about next steps, where appropriate
• Access to further support including counselling if needed

We believe in understanding behaviour, not just sanctioning it. Children who have bullied others are helped by:

• A conversation to establish what happened and why
• Parents being informed so home and school can work together
• Appropriate education and support around their behaviour
• Consequences in line with our Behaviour Policy, which may include warnings, internal exclusions or, in serious or repeated cases, suspension
• Access to further support where underlying needs are identified

When cyberbullying is reported, we act immediately. This includes:

• Supporting the child who has been affected and working with the child responsible to make sure it doesn't happen again
• Encouraging the child affected to keep evidence such as screenshots
• Working to identify those responsible and remove harmful content from circulation
• Contacting service providers or the police where necessary
• Providing guidance to all pupils on how to stay safe online

We work hard to make sure bullying is less likely to happen in the first place. This includes:

• Creating an inclusive, respectful environment where differences are celebrated and diversity is valued
• Challenging language and behaviour - including "banter" - that doesn't uphold our school values
• Involving pupils in anti-bullying campaigns and education throughout the year, including Anti-Bullying Week
• Using the curriculum, assemblies and peer support to build social and emotional skills and self-esteem
• Ensuring pupils know how to report concerns and that they will always be taken seriously
• Working with parents so that positive behaviour is modelled at home and online as well as at school

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If you have a concern about bullying - whether your child is being bullied, is bullying others, or has witnessed bullying - please speak to your child's class teacher in the first instance. If you feel your concern is not being addressed, you can speak to the Headteacher or contact us via the school office.

For independent advice and support, you can also contact:

• Childline: www.childline.org.uk
• Anti-Bullying Alliance: www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
• Young Minds: www.youngminds.org.uk
• Family Lives: www.familylives.org.uk