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Historically, bullying has not presented a major problem at “Squirrels” but
all staff should be aware that this may happen and there may be some incidents
which need to be addressed. If a child is bullied, it can make school life a
misery, and have long term detrimental effects. It can also interfere with learning.
Bullying is not always easily recognisable and does not necessarily involve the
large aggressive child threatening the class weakling. Bullying can be psychological
as well as physical and the former can be verbal and non-verbal. Bullying behaviour
is intentionally hurtful. Pupils are often reluctant to tell staff about bullying,
as adults often see bullying as normal childish behaviour or weakness on the
part of the victim, and they may be inclined to dismiss it rather than address
it.
Examples of bullying behaviour:-
| Verbal |
teasing
name
calling
ridiculing/mimicking
sarcasm
belittling
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threatening
stereotyping
spreading malicious tales
constantly criticising
making offensive remarks |
| Non Verbal |
ignoring/shunning
excluding from playground games
excluding from after school activities |
writing graffiti designed to embarrass
invading privacy
withholding affection |
| Physical |
hitting
pinching
punching
jostling
roughing up
cornering
finger jabbing |
interfering with property
inappropriate or unwanted touching
vandalism
fighting
kicking
extortion |
Anti-Bullying Policy
All children should be aware that bullying is not tolerated at Wimbledon Common
Preparatory School an that the school acts to prevent it. All staff should
be clear about what counts as bullying (see above) and take the necessary steps
to eliminate it. Teachers’ relationships with pupils have a strong effect
on the ethos of the class and how pupils treat each other.
Children should all:-
Show consideration for the rights and feeling of others
Exhibit tolerance of others ideas
Exhibit tolerance of others abilities
Exhibit tolerance of physical size
Exhibit tolerance of others culture
Express their feelings and personal experiences openly
Show respect for classmates and school property
Be encouraged to speak up if they feel something is wrong
Principles in Dealing with Bullying Incidents
Staff should:-
Always be ready to listen
Provide immediate support
Investigate every incident as soon as possible – all those involved should
be interviewed individually
to avoid intimidation and to produce an accurate report
Follow up each incident with those involved, if necessary, individually
Record the incident
Report every incident to the Head Teacher who will decide whether or not parents
should be
involved.
All pupils should feel that they are able to approach their teachers with
the expectation that they will be listened to and that action will be taken.
They are likely to choose a teacher whom they think will respond effectively.
It is important that investigations are thorough, accurate and fair. It is
sometime difficult to distinguish between the “tell tale” and the
genuine complaint and staff must use their discretion.
Children rarely bully other children under the teacher’s nose and reported
cases of bullying can happen anywhere including the playground, in the class,
or cloakrooms. Awareness of bullying and the school’s reaction to it
should be raised through the curriculum, at assemblies or when problems occur.
Incidents of bullying should be shared amongst the staff so that all class
teachers are aware of them and the need for vigilance towards the children
concerned.
Bullying in any form is a serious matter and should always be treated as such.
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