ANTI-BULLYING

While we believe that incidents of bullying at Redroofs are rare, we recognise that it can occur in any institution and that it is damaging.

We will investigate any issue raised by a pupil, parent, teacher or support staff concerning any pupil in our care and the safety and welfare of our pupils is of the highest priority.

We are committed to providing our pupils and employees with a supportive, caring and safe environment . Our policies are reviewed regularly.

ANTI-BULLYING POLICY updated September 2009

The school recognises that bullying can take place between pupils, between staff, between staff and pupils (and vice versa), between parents and staff (and vice versa) and it could be face to face, indirect or using cyberbullying methods. Bullying of any form may cause considerable psychological damage and will not be tolerated at Redroofs.

Bullying itself is not a specific criminal offense but there are criminal laws that apply to threatening behaviour and harassment.

We ask that: If someone else is being bullied or is in distress, you don’t walk away...

WHAT IS BULLYING? Bullying is defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves and can be by a group or an individual, physical or emotional.

The three main types of bullying are:

  • physical (hitting, kicking, theft)
  • verbal (name calling, teasing, personal remarks,) indirect (spreading rumours including text bullying, excluding someone from social groups).
Bullying is anti-social behaviour and affects everyone within the school community; it is unacceptable and will not be tolerated . Our aim at all times is to provide a happy and fulfilling educational experience where each pupil feels valued as part of the Redroofs “family”.

We are realistic and know that for many reasons some people are capable of bullying, and others of being the victims of bullying, at some point in their school career. We will not tolerate exclusion on grounds of sexual orientation, perceived ability, race, religion, circumstance or culture.

SO WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM, OR SOMEONE I CARE ABOUT, IS BEING BULLIED?
If you suspect that someone at school is being bullied you should report it to a member of staff, and this can be in total confidence. You will be taken seriously and staff will ask you if you wish it to be referred to senior members of the team if they see fit.

Redroofs’ teaching and ancillary staff will act promptly and firmly against it in accordance with Redroofs school policy.

HOW WILL THE SCHOOL GO ABOUT STOPPING IT?
We will go to great lengths to ensure that you are safe. The following steps may be taken when dealing with incidents:

  • if bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff who has been approached
  • a clear account of the incident will be recorded and given to the a senior member of the team
  • Staff will interview all concerned and will record the incident, with a parent present if we feel it to be in the pupils best interest
  • parents will be kept informed
  • punitive measures will be used as appropriate and in consultation with all parties concerned.

Pupils who have been bullied will be supported by:

  • offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with a member of staff of their choice
  • reassuring the pupil
  • offering continuous support
    restoring self-esteem and confidence.

Pupils who have bullied will also be helped by:

  • discussing what happened
  • discovering why the pupil became involved
  • establishing the wrong doing and need to change
  • informing parents or guardians to help change the attitude of the pupil.

The following disciplinary steps can be taken:

  • official warnings to cease offendingM
  • detention
  • exclusion from certain areas of school premises
  • minor fixed-term exclusion
    major fixed-term exclusion
    permanent exclusion.

There is a difference between joking and bullying but if you believe you are having fun and someone is persistently asking you to stop you must do exactly that...Stop! The nature of bullying is a subject of PSHE and is discussed in assemblies and subject areas, as appropriate, in an attempt to eradicate such behaviour, informally and formally where need arises.

Redroofs school takes bullying seriously and we promise to look into any reported incident or situation without prejudice towards either party to ensure the utmost happiness of all Redroofs pupils and staff. We will act on the information and all parties will be kept informed.

Updated September 2009 SK/JR/CM