Clydach Junior School

Introduction
This policy outlines provision for dealing with bullying in our school. It is our wish that school should be a happy, secure and orderly environment in which pupils can learn and develop as caring and responsible individuals.

The school policy for this provision reflects the consensus of opinion of the whole teaching staff. It has been drawn up as a result of staff discussion and has the agreement of the Governing Body and teachers.

The implementation of this policy is the responsibility of all staff. LEA guidelines have been taken into consideration in the formulation of this policy.

Bullying
We always take accusations of bullying very seriously and take firm action against it. We encourage children to work against it and to report any incidents of bullying. Allegations of bullying are always investigated and the “bullied” child is given support.

Bullying can be physical, verbal or emotional by a single person or a gang and can include:-
 Name calling
 Malicious gossip
 Damaging or stealing property
 Coercion
 Physical aggression
 Jostling
 Teasing
 Intimidation
 Extortion
 Ostracising
 Damaging school work and equipment

Victims are often children who are timid and unlikely to fight back. Research also shows that:-
 Boys often bully younger children of both sexes
 Girls often use verbal abuse and ostracise others from the peer group – usually other girls
 Some victims are also bullies
 Some victims are treated as culprits
 Onlookers are condoning bullying and becoming part of bullying

School will be vigilant for the following signs of distress:-
 Withdrawn
 Deterioration of work
 Spurious illness
 Isolation
 Desire to remain with adults
 Erratic attendance
 General unhappiness / anxiety / fear
 Late arrivals
 Bed wetting and other signs (reported by parent)

To minimise bullying we will:-
 Be constantly aware that it exists
 Be vigilant
 Tackle any racist or sexist language i.e. Equal Opportunities Policy
 Encourage the caring and nurturing side of children
 Praise any act of kindness
 Ensure adequate supervision in the playground
 Discuss friendships
 Discuss difficulties in Circle Time and help children to see other point of view e.g. How would you feel if ……. ?
 Make children aware of newcomers/loners or shy children
 Positively encourage caring and discourage bullying
 Operate a Bully watch system
 Give support to both victim and bully.
 Make clear to parents the unacceptablity of bullying i.e. no “hit him back” attitude
 Provide in service training and discussion.

It is important, however, to distinguish between bullying and bossiness and/or boisterous behaviour. This is not vindictive.

Parents
We hope parents will not give permission for bullying by saying:-
 You must have done something to deserve it
 Go and hit him back
 Don’t be a wimp
 Boys will be boys
 It will sort itself out.
 It is part of growing up
 Got to take it like a man
 Must learn to look after themselves
 Don’t tell tales (if it proves to be a consistent complaint).

It is not our policy to inform parents of every little incident which occurs in school. However, school will contact parents if they consider the incident to be serious.

Complaints
All complaints should go to the class teacher, deputy headteacher or headteacher.
An investigation will be carried out.
Incidents and discussions with children will be recorded
Parents should be involved and action taken should be explained.
If further action is required :-
Report to Governors
Official complaints procedure – LEA Corporate complaints procedure

Anti Bullying Coordinator: Mrs R. Thomas