The Commonweal School
POLICY ON BULLYING

This Policy should be seen in the context of the School's Behaviour Policy.

All students of The Commonweal School have the right to be treated with respect and consideration and to feel confident and safe. Any form of bullying is unacceptable and the school will act promptly and firmly to deal with such behaviour. Parents and students should feel confident that if bullying is reported they will be given support and help.

Bullying is: wilful and conscious acts of hurting or threatening or frightening someone else.

Bullying may be:

physical - pushing, thumping, tripping
verbal - name-calling, rumour-spreading
emotional - tormenting or ignoring
material - damaging or stealing clothes or belongings
racist - remarks or graffiti
sexist - inappropriate touching or comments.

School Responsibilities
1. Everyone must be aware that bullying will not be tolerated.

2. All members of the school community must clearly understand the school's definition of, and procedures to deal with, bullying.

3. The school must have clear guidelines and procedures to deal with the prevention of, and incidents of, bullying.

Staff Responsibilities
1. Staff should be vigilant in class, during tutorial time and whilst on duty, so that bullying does not pass undetected.

2. Staff should investigate any allegations of bullying and take the child's concerns seriously.

3. Staff should inform the Tutor/Head of House of any allegations received.

4. Heads of House should inform the Senior Teacher if the problem is difficult for them to resolve.

5. Promptness to lessons/registration and duties will prevent situations developing.

6. Staff should never bully or tease or be sarcastic to students, and should not tolerate this from others in lessons.

7. Through tutorial programmes, or curricular input, staff should seek to raise awareness of the school's firm stand against bullying.

8. Staff should, where possible, seek to enhance their skills in dealing with bullying through specific training.

Student Responsibilities
1. Students should treat others with kindness, consideration and respect.

2. Students should report any incidents of bullying either of themselves or others.

3. Students should ask for help from the tutor or head of house or any member of staff in defusing a difficult situation. They should not retaliate.

Procedures for dealing with bullying
1. Act promptly to investigate alleged incidents of bullying, but do not apportion blame. Involve the tutor or head of house if it appears to be serious.

2. Never belittle a complaint, say there is nothing that you can do, or refer to "telling tales". We must encourage students to tell, to undermine the secret power of the bully.

3. The Head of House may try the 'no blame' approach if appropriate. Other sanctions may include detention, restitution of damaged goods, or, in serious cases, exclusion.

4. Clear records of all but the most trivial incidents must be kept in a student's file.

5. Avoid labelling students as 'bully' or 'victim' - after an incident both may need support to rebuild or reinforce self-image and esteem.

6. Parents' co-operation should always be sought. Parents must be informed and involved except in the first stages of the 'no blame approach'.

Prevention of Bullying
1. All staff will receive a copy of the policy on bullying.

2. Tutorial work will focus in several units on bullying.

3. A positive anti-bullying ethos will be created through the pastoral system, assemblies and tutorial work.

4. Students will be encouraged to report their own concerns, and praised for reporting incidents of bullying on others.

5. Parents will be informed of our policy and what they can do to help prevent bullying.