We believe that all pupils have the right to learn in a safe, caring environment without the fear of being bullied. At Harleston Sancroft Academy we endeavour to promote good citizenship and make it clear that bullying is anti-social and contrary to our ethos. It is wrong and will not be tolerated.

We feel that it is important for pupils and parents /guardians to know that any bullying complaints will be dealt with firmly, fairly and promptly. We follow and implement the St Benets Trust Anti Bullying policy in our school community. Furthermore, our school values are at the heart of everything we do—promoting positive behaviour.

Bullying

Bullying is an issue that can take many forms, but can be defined by the following characteristics,

• It is repetitive and persistent
• It is intentionally harmful

Bullying can be:

• Physical bullying from unwanted touching to physical harm.
• Name calling.
• Social isolation.
• Cyber bullying
• Homophobic bullying
• Racist bullying

The Role of Parents

Parents, who are concerned that their child might be being bullied, or who suspect that their child may be the perpetrator of bullying, should contact their child’s class teacher immediately.

Parents have a responsibility to support the school’s anti-bullying policy and to actively encourage their child to be a positive member of the school.

The Role of Staff

We follow the Anti-Bullying Policy to deal with all incidents of bullying.

Staff in our school take all forms of bullying seriously and intervene to prevent incidents from taking place. If a staff member is made aware of or witnesses an act of bullying they should intervene and record the incident.

If we become aware of any bullying taking place between members of a class, we deal with the issue immediately.

We spend time talking to the child who has bullied

We explain why the action of the child was wrong

We endeavour to help the child change their behaviour in future

If a child is repeatedly involved in bullying other children, we then invite the child’s parents into the school to discuss the situation.

In more extreme cases, for example where these initial discussions have proven ineffective, the head of school may contact external support agencies such as the social services.

Teachers attempt to support all children in their class and to establish a climate of trust and respect for all. By praising, rewarding, and celebrating the success of all children, we aim to prevent incidents of bullying.

Kindness 

Demonstrating kindness is an important part of our approach to anti bullying in the Primary Phase. The Well-Being Councillors create a ‘Kindness Charter’ at the beginning of the school year, which is displayed and followed in every classroom. Children who demonstrate kindness are rewarded on a weekly basis with our ‘Golden Table’. Children have the opportunity to sit and have their lunch on the table with the Head of School. Throughout the year, activities around kindness are at the heart of our community. These are activities such as kindness calendars, competitions and visitors who talk to the children about kindness.

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