Anti Bullying

 At OWLS we do not tolerate bullying, we pursue an active policy of prevention and deal with incidents promptly and effectively when they arise.  We expect all members of OWLS to play their part in preventing and if necessary identify and stopping bullying.

Bullying is a term used in many contexts.  There are many definitions but we consider it to be

 ·       Something hurtful

·       Done more than once

·       Done on purpose

 There are many forms of bullying, and as a community we need to be aware that seemingly trivial incidents may be part of a targeted campaign and we should all take allegations seriously.  Actions may be in the form of

 ·       Physical violence and/or threats

·       Verbal abuse and/or aggression

·       Emotional abuse

·       Exclusion from activities

·       Damage and/or theft of property

·       Inappropriate use of technology such as phones, emails and websites to cause distress. (Cyberbullying)

 It is our policy to

 ·       Take all bullying problems seriously

·       Support the victim

·       Investigate incidents thoroughly and promptly

·       Obtain witness information wherever possible

·       Work in partnership with parents

·       Work in partnership with the Police and other agencies when appropriate (particularly in the

      case of cyberbullying).

·       Apply appropriate sanctions

·       Support the bully to modify their behaviour

·       Ensure that appropriate action is taken to prevent further incidents

·       Take opportunities to discuss the topic of bullying

Roles and Responsibilities

Students will:

  • Give dignity and respect to others

  • Report any incidents of bullying to a member of staff or the text line

Parents/Carers will:

  • Report concerns to Safeguarding Lead

  • Support strategies put in place

All Staff will:

  • Treat all reported incidents seriously

  • Report incidents to the appropriate staff member

  • Implement any strategies put in place to prevent further incidents

  • Use the curriculum to raise awareness of the negative effects of bullying and discrimination

  • Coordinate strategies to prevent bullying

  • Investigate allegations

  • Support victims, both immediately and by offering longer-term solutions

  • Develop and deliver behaviour modification programmes for bullies and victims

  • Liase with outside agencies as appropriate

  • Be directly involved in fostering positive relationships at OWLS and raising awareness of the negative effects of bullying

  • Take action with regard to persistent offenders

  • Oversee liaison with outside agencies

  • Ensure that the Anti-Bullying Policy is regularly monitored, evaluated reviewed and discussed with OWLS  staff.

  • Monitor incidents of bullying

  • Send a written report to the commissioning school/academy via encrypted email detailing the allegations and actions taken.  A copy will be kept on the students file for reference.

 

Compiled by : D & G Parkinson

Review date: August 2024-2025