Drighlington Primary School

 Our aim at Drighlington Primary School is that everyone can come to school, feel safe, be happy and not have to worry about anyone being unkind. We can and will help anyone who feels unhappy - please talk to us! 

We are very proud to hold the Silver Award in the Anti-Bullying Quality Mark - for more information, please

click here.

What is bullying?

We define bullying as follows:
Bullying can be defined as ‘behaviour by an individual or a group, repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual either physically or emotionally’. (DfE “Preventing and Tackling Bullying”, July 2017).

Bullying can include name calling, taunting, mocking, making offensive comments; kicking; hitting; taking belongings; producing offensive graffiti; gossiping; excluding people from groups and spreading hurtful and untruthful rumours. This includes the same unacceptable behaviours expressed online, sometimes called online or cyberbullying. This can include: sending offensive, upsetting and inappropriate messages by phone, text, instant messenger, through gaming, websites, social media sites and apps, and sending offensive or degrading photos or videos. Bullying is recognised by the school as being a form of peer on peer abuse. It can be emotionally abusive and can cause severe and adverse effects on children’s emotional development.

There are many different types of bullying that can be experienced by children and adults alike, some are obvious to spot while others can be more subtle. The different types of bullying below are some of the ways that bullying could be happening.

Verbal bullying is saying or writing mean things. Verbal bullying includes:

• Teasing
• Name-calling
• Inappropriate sexual comments
• Taunting
• Threatening to cause harm

Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s reputation or relationships. Social bullying includes:

• Leaving someone out on purpose
• Telling other children not to be friends with someone
• Spreading rumours about someone
• Embarrassing someone in public

Physical bullying involves hurting a person’s body or possessions. Physical bullying includes:

• Hitting/kicking/pinching
• Spitting
• Tripping/pushing
• Taking or breaking someone’s things
• Making mean or rude hand gestures

Cyber bullying is planned and repeated harm through the use of computers, phones, and other electronic devices such as tablets or laptops. In all cases of cyberbullying, parents of children involved will be informed. Cyber bullying includes:

• Using digital technologies such as computers and smartphones, and software such as social media, instant messaging, texts, websites and other online platforms.
• It can happen at any time, day or night.
• It can be in public for all to see, or in private so that no-one else knows about it.
• It can include abusive or hurtful texts, emails or posts, images or videos, deliberately cutting out others online, nasty gossip or rumours, pretending to be others online or using their log-in.

What can you do if you are being bullied?

We want everybody to feel confident to report bullying whenever and wherever it happens, and get the help they need to feel safe again. If someone is bullying you, it important to remember that is not your fault and there are people that can help you. Tell someone you trust, giving them as many facts as you can (Who? Where? What? Why? When? How?) All pupils know that if they are experiencing bullying they should tell their teacher in the first instance. Should a pupil not feel confident in doing this our learning mentor is available to speak to pupils or they may choose to use the school council representatives.

What can you do if you see someone else being bullied? (The role the bystander)

Ignoring bullying is cowardly and unfair on the victim. Staying silent means that the bully has won and gives them more power. There are ways you can help without putting yourself in danger, for example tell a member of staff as soon as possible or ask someone you trust about what to do.

What about fall outs that are not bullying?

It is important to understand that bullying is not the odd occasion of falling out with friends, name calling, arguments or when the occasional trick or joke is played on someone. It is bullying if it is done several times on purpose.

Children sometimes fall out and say things because they are upset. When occasional problems of this kind arise, although unkind, it is not classed as bullying. It is an important part of children’s development to learn how to deal with friendship breakdowns or a childish prank. We all have to learn how to deal with these situations and develop skills to repair relationships.

The aim of the school anti-bullying policy is to try to prevent and deal with any behaviour deemed as bullying. We are committed to ensuring that the school community works together to create a happy, safe, caring and stimulating environment.  We create an ethos where bullying is regarded as unacceptable so that a safe and secure environment is created for everyone to learn and work in. All members of the school community have the responsibility to recognise bullying when it occurs and take appropriate action in accordance with the school policy.

Quick Guides 

Anti-Bullying policy

For quick reference, please click on the link below to access our school Anti-bullying summary leaflet:

Anti-bullying brochure 

At Drighlington Primary School we believe everyone should feel safe and happy.  Our simple brochure explains the types of bullying, and our anti-bullying strategies.

Don't Face it Alone Brochure

Here is a brochure that gives guidance to families - see it, report it, show support.

A Parent's Guide to Anti-Bullying

This guide explains the types of bullying and gives step by step guidance for families.

Useful Websites

A wealth of information and guidance for parents about bullying can be found on the Internet.

Here are some which you may find useful:

• NSPCC Childline: 0800 1111
• Kidscape: anti-bullying charity. Developed the Primary Bullying Intervention Training Programme
• Anti-Bullying Alliance : anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk
• http://www.internetmatters.org/
• GALOP: galop.org.uk LGBT anti-violence & abuse charity providing advice & support to people who have experienced biphobia, homophobia, transphobia, sexual violence or DV Helpline 020 7704 2040
• Thinkuknow provides support and advice to young people about sex, relationships and online safety: thinkuknow.co.uk
• Parents' Resources - Educate Against Hate - visit www.educateagainsthate.com
• NSPCC free 24 hour helpline to support adults concerned about a child or young person being radicalised: email help@nspcc.org.uk or T: 0808 800 5000
• The NSPCC have some excellent resources. Please visit: How can I help my child if they are being bullied? | NSPCC

How we deal with bullying at Drighlington Primary School

We recognise that all forms of bullying, especially if left unaddressed, can have a devastating effect on individuals; it can create a barrier to learning and have serious consequences for mental wellbeing. By effectively preventing and tackling bullying our school can help to create a safe and disciplined environment, where pupils are able to learn and fulfil their potential.

Our School:

• Monitors and reviews our anti-bullying policy and practice on a regular basis.
• Supports staff to promote positive relationships to help prevent bullying.
• Recognises that some members of our community may be more vulnerable to bullying and its impact than others; this may include children with SEND. Being aware of this will help us to develop effective strategies to prevent bullying from happening and provide appropriate support, if required.
• Will intervene by identifying and tackling bullying behaviour appropriately and promptly.
• Ensures our pupils are aware that bullying concerns will be dealt with sensitively and effectively; that everyone should feel safe to learn and abide by the anti-bullying policy.
• Requires all members of the community to work with the school to uphold the anti-bullying policy.
• Recognises the potential impact of bullying on the wider family of those affected so will work in partnership with parents/carers regarding all reported bullying concerns and will seek to keep them informed at all stages.
• Will deal promptly with grievances regarding the school’s response to bullying in line with our complaints policy
• Seeks to learn from good anti-bullying practice elsewhere.
• Utilises support from the Local Authority and other relevant organisations when appropriate. 

Strategies on school for the prevention and reduction of bullying

Environment

The whole school community will:

• Create and support an inclusive environment which promotes a culture of mutual respect, consideration and care for others, which will be upheld by all.
• Recognise that bullying can be perpetrated or experienced by any member of the community, including adults and children (peer on peer abuse).
• Recognises the potential for children with SEN and disabilities to be disproportionally impacted by bullying and will implement additional pastoral support as required.
• Openly discuss differences between people that could motivate bullying, such as: children with different family situations, such as looked after children or those with caring responsibilities, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality or appearance related difference.
• Challenge practice and language which does not uphold the school values of tolerance, non-discrimination and respect towards others.
• Be encouraged to use technology, especially mobile phones and social media, positively and responsibly.
• Work with staff, the wider community and outside agencies to prevent and tackle concerns including all forms of prejudice-driven bullying.
• Actively create “safe spaces” for vulnerable children and young people.
• Ensure that year groups have safe and dedicated play spaces where they are protected from the vulnerability of playing with older children
• Celebrate success and achievements to promote and build a positive school ethos.

Anti-bullying Steering Group

We have an Anti-bullying steering group which comprises of children, staff, parent and governor. This group meets regularly to review the school's policies and procedures in regards to bullying. Some of the ideas they have put in place are:

• Friendship benches and bus stops on the playground for children to visit when they feel lonely or upset.
• Anti-bullying ambassadors and playground leaders to support positive play times.
• Regular assemblies with an anti-bullying theme to make sure all children understand what bullying is and what to do if they experience it.
• Wearing distinctive hats so that they are recognisable in the playgrounds.

Policy and Support

The whole school community will:

• Provide a range of approaches for pupils, staff and parents/carers to access support and report concerns.
• Regularly update and evaluate our practice to consider the developments of technology and provide up-to-date advice and education to all members of the community regarding positive online behaviour.
• Take appropriate, proportionate and reasonable action, in line with existing school policies, for any bullying brought to the schools’ attention, which involves or effects pupils, even when they are not on school premises; for example, when using school transport or online, etc..
• Implement appropriate disciplinary sanctions; the consequences of bullying will reflect the seriousness of the incident, so that others see that bullying is unacceptable.
• Use a variety of techniques to resolve the issues between those who bully, and those who have been bullied.

Education and Training

The school community will:

• Train all staff, including: teaching staff, support staff (e.g. administration staff, lunchtime support staff and site support staff) and pastoral staff, to identify all forms of bullying and take appropriate action, following the school’s policy and procedures, including recording and reporting incidents.
• Consider a range of opportunities and approaches for addressing bullying throughout the curriculum and other activities, such as: through displays, assemblies, peer support, the school/student council, etc..
• Collaborate with other local educational settings as appropriate, and during key times of the year, for example during transition.
• Ensure anti-bullying has a high profile throughout the year, reinforced through key opportunities such as anti-bullying week. 
• Provide systematic opportunities to develop pupils’ social and emotional skills, including building their resilience and self-esteem.

Responding to bullying

The following steps may be taken when dealing with all incidents of bullying reported to the school:

• If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be dealt with immediately by the member of staff who has been approached or witnessed the concern.
• The school will provide appropriate support for the person being bullied – making sure they are not at risk of immediate harm and will involve them in any decision-making, as appropriate.
• A senior member of staff will speak to all parties involved.
• The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) will be informed of all bullying issues where there are safeguarding concerns.
• The school will speak with and inform other staff members, where appropriate.
• The school will ensure parents/carers are kept informed about the concern and action taken, as appropriate and in line with child protection and confidentially.
• Sanctions, as identified within the school behaviour policy, and support will be implemented in consultation with all parties concerned.
• If necessary, other agencies may be consulted or involved, such as the police, if a criminal offence has been committed, or other local services including early help or children’s social care, if a child is felt to be at risk of significant harm.
• Where the bullying of, or by, pupils takes place off of the school site or outside of normal school hours (including cyberbullying), the school will ensure that the concern is fully investigated. If required, the DSL will collaborate with other schools. Appropriate action will be taken, including providing support and implementing sanctions in school in accordance with this policy and the school’s behaviour policy.
• A clear and precise account of bullying incidents will be recorded by the school in accordance with existing procedures on CPOMS, the school’s confidential online safeguarding system. This will include recording appropriate details regarding decisions and action

Pupils who have been bullied will be supported by:

• Reassuring the pupil and providing continuous pastoral support.
• Offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with their teacher, the designated safeguarding lead, or a member of staff of their choice.
• Being advised to keep a record of the bullying as evidence and discuss how to respond to concerns and build resilience as appropriate.
• Working towards restoring self-esteem and confidence.
• Providing ongoing support; this may include: working and speaking with staff, offering formal counselling, engaging with parents and carers.
• Where necessary, working with the wider community and local/national organisations to provide further or specialist advice and guidance; this could include support through Early Help or Specialist Children’s Services.

Pupils who have perpetrated bullying will be helped by:

• Discussing what happened, establishing the concern and the need to change.
• Informing parents/carers to help change the attitude and behaviour of the child.
• Providing appropriate education and support regarding their behaviour or actions.
• If online, requesting that content be removed and reporting accounts/content to service provider.
• Sanctioning, in line with school behaviour/discipline policy; this may include official warnings, detentions, removal of privileges (including online access when encountering cyberbullying concerns), and fixed-term or permanent exclusions.
• Where necessary, working with the wider community and local/national organisations to provide further or specialist advice and guidance; this may include involvement from the Police or referrals to Early Help,

Contact Information

If you would like to speak to someone regarding our anti-bullying work in school or are interested in becoming involved in our Anti-Bullying Steering Group then please contact The Head Teacher who be reached via email to: info@drighlingtonprimary.org.uk or by telephone the school on 0113 2853000.

If you are aware of any incidents of bullying please refer to our Anti-bullying Policy for guidance. This can be found in the Policies section of the website or is available on request from the school office.