What is bullying

Bullying is the physical and/or mental abuse of a person by another person or group of people.

What must you do about it?

1. You must inform your Year Tutor, Form Tutor or any other member of staff if you suspect or know that someone is being bullied.
2. If you are being bullied, tell someone.
3. If you don’t, you let the bullies get away with it.

What will we do about it?

1. We will investigate all reports of bullying.
2. We never ignore suspected bullying.
3. We will interview the victim about their feelings.
4. We will listen carefully to all accounts.
5. We will meet with any people involved.
6. We will explain the problem.
7. We will discuss the responsibility for the bullying and involve all relevant parties in identifying solutions.
8. Bullies will be subject to the normal school disciplinary procedures and sanctions.

Procedures

1. The victim will be interviewed by the member of staff receiving the complaint, who will inform, in the first instance, the Head of Year. A written record will be kept.
2. The bully will be interviewed separately & a written record kept.
3. Any witnesses will be interviewed and a written record kept.
4. Whatever the outcome of the investigations, all parties will be left in no doubt as to the effect of bullying and the School’s policy.
5. In the event of the complaint being upheld, the bully will be counselled by staff members, told to stop and be given an official warning. The bully will be informed of the procedures that will take place should the incident occur again. Parents will be informed.
6. Coping strategies will be discussed with the victim to avoid the situation.
7. Any repeat of the bullying behaviour will result in the parents of the bully being invited into school to discuss the situation. The pupil will be placed on report and an after school detention will follow.
8. Any further incidence will result in the pupil being supervised in isolation. Severe or persistent bullying may result in exclusion.
9. Victims will need a guarantee that any repercussions will lead to rapid action being taken which may result in exclusion of the bully (or other formal sanction agreed beforehand.)
10. The procedures do not cut across, compromise or pre-empt the right of the parents or victim to make a direct complaint to the police.

Sanctions

1. Official verbal warning. Parents informed.
2. Parents invited into school to discuss the matter. “On Report” and after school detention.
3. 'Inclusion' – working in isolation away from peers.
4. Interview with the Headteacher, with the possibility of exclusion to follow.

Bullying Website Links and Carelines

Childline: 0800 1111
NSPCC 24 hour helpline: 0808 800 5000
NSPCC Cymru/Wales: 08081 002 524
National Drugs Helpline: 0800 776 600
Drinkline: 0800 917 8284
Citizen’s Advice Bureau: 02920 408 040
Samaritans - Cardiff: 02920 344 022
Samaritans - Bridgend: 01656 662 333