Bullying is "behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally". A culture of anti-bullying is vital in schools, as bullying can have extremely negative effects on a child's health and wellbeing. Bullying is rare at our school, thankfully. Sometimes, children can report fall-outs with friends, disagreements within and between families, and other minor incidents as bullying; when actually (although they are unpleasant) incidents like these are a normal part of children growing up, learning how to interact with others, and developing social skills. Our staff take opportunities to work with children who are not getting on, discussing their behaviour and the choices they are making, and then exploring potential consequences and alternative choices.

We deal with any incidents of bullying straight away, and make them stop. This includes involving parents/carers. If you are in any way concerned that your child or another may be subject to bullying, contact your child’s teacher or the headteacher immediately. We will take your concern seriously and work to resolve the problem in a considered way which protects the child.

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Helping to prevent bullying

Prevention is better than cure. Here are some of the ways in which our school combats bullying:

• Staff model the way that people should speak to each other with respect and tolerance.
• Respectful, kind behaviour is praised and rewarded routinely.
• Teachers and teaching assistants understand the friendship groups in their classes and intervene when issues arise which are a normal part of growing up.
• Any behaviour which is disrespectful, harmful or intolerant towards others is swiftly challenged.
• Differences (including those related to protected characteristics like race, sexual orientation or religion) are not 'taboo' - they are discussed openly and positively so they don't become an issue.
• Pupils understand that school does not tolerate bullying. They know that they can speak to a member of staff or the headteacher if they, or someone else they know, are being bullied or are struggling with relationships.
• PSHE lessons and assemblies convey themes of respect and tolerance.
• Our pupils are aware of online (cyber) bullying and know to report it if they see it happening to themselves or others.
• School's care for our children does not start and end at the school gate. We work with our partners to address any bullying issues which children encounter while playing out in the community, or while traveling to/from school - even if the perpetrator is not a pupil at our school.

Useful links and resources

• Anti-Bullying Alliance - a group of organisations and individuals that work together to combat bullying.
• Barnardo's LGBTQ - supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and those questioning their sexual or gender identity children, young people and their families in the UK.
• Bullying UK - part of Family Lives' website, some helpful advice for dealing with different forms of bullying.
• Childline - a free, private and confidential service where children can talk about anything. Call 0800 11 11.
• Childnet International - a UK charity that aims to make the internet a safe place for children.
• Digizen - advice about how to be a responsible 'digital citizen' and combat cyberbullying.
• NSPCC - a charity campaigning and working in child protection in the United Kingdom and the Channel Islands.
• Tell Mama - a confidential support service for those who face anti-Muslim prejudice across the UK.
• Thinkuknow - a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline.

Click here to read school's anti-bullying policy.