There are various definitions of bullying, but all have three things in common:
- it is deliberately hurtful behaviour
- it is repeated over time
- there is an imbalance of power which makes it hard for those being bullied to defend themselves
We should also recognise that bullying exists in schools.
Bullying is usually a personal mistreatment, directed at a person because of something about them as an individual. Bullying is often impersonal and directed at people because of what they are. It is the mistreatment of a person because of their skin colour, ethnic group, general appearance, nationality, language, sexual orientation or gender. We all have responsibility to challenge bullying in our College and action will only be successful if it forms part of a wider policy, which is embedded within the curriculum and all school practices. It is linked to our college policies on behaviour, anti racism, addressing racist incidents and equal opportunities.
Dealing with bullying
We aim to create a climate where it is safe to tell and we make it very clear who to go to. e.g. via assemblies and by being explicit in the school planners.
If a student has been bullied, the golden rule is to tell. Tell your form tutor, learning manager, assistant learning manager, head of department or indeed any teacher or teaching assistant.
You can and should expect something to change. If it doesn’t, then come back. The aim is to resolve the matter by discussion. It is not about getting someone into trouble, it is about better understanding.
When dealing with bullying incident involving students, staff will:
§ Listen attentively
Indicate that they are pleased that the student has been able to tell them.
They will remain calm and reassuring, accept their language and terminology.
§ Acknowledge
Acknowledge the feelings of the students; confirm they were right to make the disclosure; show they understand the difficulty in discussing the matter and reassure while explaining the need to take the matter further
§ Report
Indicate that they cannot keep this information to themselves and that this may need to be shared with others in authority in order to stop further harassment. However, if victims are adamant that they do not wish any further action, advice will be sought from the designated member of staff before any further action is undertaken.
§ Support
Recognise that victims will need immediate support and to know that they are believed and that a full investigation will take place.
Where appropriate, depending on the nature of the incident, ensure that parents are aware of the incident and kept informed of the progress of any investigation
Impington Village College realises its responsibilities to ensure that our pupils can maximise their potential and get the best possible start to their lives from the time they are in school. At Impington we strive continuously to promote a culture of tell, tell, tell.
Impington
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