Anti-Bullying Policy

1. Policy Context

This policy takes account of the Department for Education (DfE) guidance:

• "Bullying – Don’t Suffer in Silence"

• "Safe to Learn – Anti-Bullying in Schools"

2. Definition of Bullying

Bullying is defined as behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group physically or emotionally.

Types of bullying include (but are not limited to):

• Race, religion, or culture

• Special Educational Needs (SEN) or disabilities

• Appearance or health conditions

• Homophobic attitudes and sexual orientation

• Looked-after children or home circumstances

• Cyberbullying (e.g., offensive or degrading messages/images via the internet)

3. Aims and Objectives

The School is committed to:

• Eliminating all forms of bullying.

• Creating a safe and secure environment for all students and staff.

• Working in partnership with parents and carers to address bullying.

Objectives:

• To ensure a clear and effective system for responding to bullying.

• To provide consistent monitoring and documentation of bullying incidents.

• To educate students and staff about bullying through awareness programmes.

4. Moral and Values Framework

The School promotes:

• Respect for self and others.

• Responsibility for one’s actions.

• Accountability to family, friends, school, and the wider community.

5. Equal Opportunities Statement

The School is fully committed to equal opportunities in all aspects of school life. All resources and activities will reflect this commitment.

6. Anti-Bullying Education Programme

The programme will:

• Be age-appropriate and developmentally suitable.

• Develop communication, assertiveness, and conflict resolution skills.

• Encourage discussion on values, attitudes, rights, and responsibilities.

• Promote self-esteem, confidence, and a positive self-image.

Key Topics:

• Feelings and relationships

• Personal safety

• Lifestyles and culture

• Growing up

• Conflict resolution

• Peer pressure

Coordinator: The Deputy Director will coordinate anti-bullying education.

7. Responding to Bullying Incidents

• All reported incidents will be taken seriously and documented.

• The victim will be listened to and supported.

• Incident/referral forms will be completed.

• Parents/carers will be notified and kept informed.

• Witnesses and perpetrators will be interviewed.

• Consequences and follow-up actions will be determined case-by-case.

8. Monitoring Procedures

• Records of bullying incidents will be maintained by Assistant Principals.

• Notes will include source of information, age/gender of students involved, nature of the incident, and responses.

• Incident summaries will be filed for both victim and perpetrator.

• These files will be securely stored and accessible by Heads of Year and the Deputy Director (by appointment).

• The School Council will be regularly updated and involved in monitoring.

• A peer mentoring programme is in place, with trained mentors.

9. Safeguarding and Confidentiality

• All staff and individuals working with students are CRB checked.

• Students are made aware that in some cases, confidentiality may not be maintained to protect their wellbeing.

• The School follows the DfE guidelines for child protection and safeguarding.

10. Complaints Procedure

Complaints regarding anti-bullying procedures or the programme should be directed to the Administrative Officer, who will liaise with senior management.

11. Disciplinary Procedures

• Each bullying case is handled individually and sensitively.

• The impact on the future of the students involved will be carefully considered when determining outcomes.

12. Off-Site Incidents

• This policy applies to bullying incidents occurring off school premises where students are involved in school activities.

• In serious cases, incidents may be reported to the Guardia Civil.

13. Policy Dissemination

• This policy is accessible to all staff via the school intranet.

• Summaries will be shared with students and parents/carers.

14. Evaluation and Review

Indicators of Success:

• Fewer reported incidents of bullying.

• Students express confidence that the school is addressing bullying.

• Positive feedback from staff, students, and parents/carers.

The policy will be reviewed annually through a consultative process involving:

• Teachers

• Students

• Parents/carers