What counts as bullying?

Bullying can take many forms. Sometimes it involves physical harassment i.e. kicking or hitting. Less visible but no less distressing are name calling, 'sending to Coventry', exclusion from playground games, or taunting.

Bullying is the deliberate hurting, threatening or frightening of an individual or group by another individual or group. It is distinct from the spontaneous upsets and disagreements, which may happen among children from time to time.

Note: The victim of bullying may show signs of being unhappy, unduly quiet or weepy, play separately, feel 'ill', and/or not wish to go to school. If these symptoms occur frequently then the question of bullying should be considered. 

Reacting to bullying incidents

If parents see, or are told about bullying taking place, they should ensure that someone at the school knows about it. Situations are made far worse, when bullying continues over a period of time without the school being aware of what is happening. On the other hand, bullying is quickly stopped when addressed at its onset.

If your child is involved in bullying, you should reassure him or her and talk about the full scenario. Try to ascertain the facts of the incident and contact someone at the school as soon as possible. Do not wait to see if the matter resolves itself.

 If pupils see or hear about bullying taking place, they should speak up and come forward to establish the truth and end the unpleasantness. To have knowledge of bullying and not to speak up is to condone this behaviour. 

Dealing with Bullying

 If the school is told about an incident of bullying, we will address the matter seriously and sensitively and in co-operation with the parents of the victim. We will seek to reassure the victim, encourage others to speak up to establish truth and fairness and make clear that the bully's behaviour is unacceptable. The bully will be encouraged to see the victim's point of view and if appropriate, be set a punishment and have his/her parents contacted.

We emphasise the importance and success of early intervention.  

THE CODE OF CONDUCT

 The "Code of Conduct" is a positive description of the kind of everyday behaviour the school would expect from the pupils and complements a statement of the school rules. These expectations of behaviour and rules are discussed regularly with the pupils, and form a background for the organisation and everyday life of the school. The points covered include:

• Respect for other people (classmates, school staff, etc.)
• Respect for property and other peoples' possessions
• Care of the environment
• Self respect through hard work, achievement and self discipline
• Co-operation with others and a willingness to fulfil responsibility
• Respect for school rules as a safeguard for all pupils.

 THE SCHOOL RULES

• The school rules are designed for the safety of the pupils.

• Pupils are required to move about the school in an orderly way

• The driveway, car park and huts are out of bounds.

• Cycling is not allowed in the school grounds.

• Ball games are allowed on the playing field only,

• Pupils, who remain in school over lunchtime, are not allowed to leave  the school grounds.

• Pupils are not allowed to play with anything that could cause harm to themselves or others.