Anti-Bullying

Bullying is 'the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or through cyberspace'.

Bullying differs from teasing/falling out between friends because:

There is deliberate intention to hurt or humiliate.
There is a power imbalance that makes it hard for the victim to defend themselves.
It is usually persistent.

We teach children about bullying using the acronym 'STOP', which stands for:

Several

Times

Purpose

Occasionally an incident may be deemed to be bullying even if the behaviour has not been repeated or persistent. This possibility should be considered, particularly in cases of hate crime related bullying or cyberbullying.

Guidance for Our Pupils

It is important that you know how to keep yourself safe when in school and also outside of school. The following information can help you. If you have any questions or concerns, always speak to a trusted adult. In school there is always someone you can talk to; you could talk to your class teacher or an LSA or you could speak with Mrs Wright or Miss Cawley in our Pastoral Team. You can also speak to any of the school's leadership team - Miss Needham, Mrs Lee, Mrs Bunce, Mrs Lewis, Mrs Woon or Miss Anderson.

If you think you or someone else is being bullied you could:

Explain to a trusted adult at school or at home.
Write down what is happening and give the note to a trusted adult, who will find time to discuss the note with you at an appropriate time.

An adult will always listen to what has happened, will investigate further and will then take any appropriate actions to ensure the bullying stops.

Treat Everyone with Respect

Nobody should be unkind to others.

Stop and think before you say or do something that could hurt someone.
If you feel like being unkind to someone, find something else to do. Play a game, watch TV, or talk to a friend.
Talk to an adult you trust. They can help you find ways to be nicer to others.
Keep in mind that everyone is different. Not better or worse. Just different.
If you think you have bullied someone in the past, apologise. Everyone will feel better.

What to Do If You’re Bullied

There are things you can do if you are being bullied:

Look at the child bullying you and tell him or her to stop in a calm, clear voice.
If speaking up seems too hard or not safe, walk away and find an adult immediately. Don’t retaliate or be unkind back.
Tell an Anti-Bullying Ambassador, who will support you to take the above steps.

There are things you can do to stay safe in the future, too.

Talk to an adult you trust; don’t keep your feelings inside. Telling someone can help you feel less alone; they can help you make a plan to stop the bullying.
Tell an adult if there is a particular place where you don't feel safe, and why.

Anti-Bullying

At Elmhurst, bullying is taken very seriously. If at any time, you feel that you are being bullied, speak to a member of staff immediately. If you need help to do so, you could:

Speak to a trusted adult at home, and book a meeting with the school.
Write this down and add to the Grins and Grumbles box in your classroom.
Speak to your class Anti-Bullying Ambassador.

Our anti-bullying ambassadors are a trained team, who support children on the playground with any issues, worries or concerns. Over 100 children applied to become an anti-bullying ambassador, showing the dedication of our children to ensure our school is a happy, safe place.

Our anti-bullying ambassadors for this academic year are:

1A - Nawal | 1B - Brax

2H - Willow | 2WB - Farheen

3J - Aashika | 3L - William

4S - Kourtney | 4H - Faye

5H - Ella | 5S - Anabel

6S - Astrid | 6W - Holly

Consequences of Bullying

Bullying is serious and is therefore treated as a serious breach of our behaviour policy. As a school, we will always investigate cases of bullying thoroughly to decide whether a serious breach has occurred.

If the school's investigation finds that bullying has occurred, this will be dealt with seriously and in line with our school behaviour policy.

Following a confirmed case of bullying, based on the severity of the incident(s), the school will always:

Speak to the parents of both the victim and the perpetrator.
Ensure time, space and support are given for a restorative conversation.
Record the incident through our school system, Behaviour Watch.
Make clear what would happen if this behaviour happens again.

In line with the school behaviour policy, the school may also:

Provide sessions with our Learning Lounge Leaders or Family Support Workers to educate about the impact of bullying.
Agree that the child miss a series of break or lunchtimes, consider lunchtime support in the Learning Lounge or a personalised lunchtime behaviour plan.
Agree an internal exclusion is appropriate, which may be completed in the Learning Lounge.
Agree a fixed-term suspension is appropriate.
Seek support or guidance from external agencies, such as CAHMS, the Pupil Referral Unit or the police.

Anti-bullying Alliance

Page last updated: 04/03/24