Anti-Bullying at Stamfordham

Children and young people at Stamfordham Primary have rights. These include the right to be safe, enjoy and achieve and make a positive contribution to school life. Stamfordham maintains a caring approach to children and any form of bullying, physical, verbal, racial, homophobic, sexist or any other type of harassment will not be tolerated. 

What is bullying?

Bullying can be defined as a physical, psychological or verbal attack against an individual or group of individuals by a person or group of persons, causing physical or psychological harm to the victim. It is usually conscious and wilful and commonly consists of repeated acts of aggression and/or manipulation. It can take a number of forms – both physical and non-physical, either in combination or in isolation. Any bullying, whether physical or non-physical, may result in lasting psychological damage to the individual.

Bullying generally falls into one or a combination of the following categories:

• Physical Bullying – Unprovoked assault on a person or group which can range from a ‘prod’ to grievous bodily harm.
• Psychological – Reduction of a person’s self-esteem or confidence through threatening behaviour, taunting or teasing about race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, family circumstances, appearance, or any other feature of their lives which can be used to wound or humiliate them.
• Social - Ostracism/rejection by a peer group.
• Verbal – The use of language in a derogatory or offensive manner, such as swearing, racist or sexist abuse, sexual innuendo, spreading rumours, etc.
• Cyberbullying – Using mobile phones or the internet to deliberately upset someone.
• Homophobic – Any hostile or offensive action against lesbians, gay males, bisexuals or transgender people, or those perceived to be lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

We ensure that we explore and teach our children the importance of kindness and respect, and we ensure children are aware of what bullying is and how to get help. Healthy relationships are explored through our RSE and PSHCE curriculum every term. We celebrate Anti-Bullying Week and Odd Socks Day each year.

Objectives of this Policy

• To ensure that everyone in the school community has an understanding of what bullying is and how the school will deal with incidences of bullying
• To develop a listening and caring ethos at Stamfordham where any form of bullying is not tolerated and dealt with in the appropriate manner
• To encourage discussion and not make premature assumptions and to foster a problem-solving approach
• The staff is made aware of the anti-bullying policy by the Senior Leadership Team and has access to where the policy is kept.
• Explore issues through the curriculum through PSHCE, assemblies and Anti-bullying week.
• Support the bully and the victim in modifying behaviour

Where to Get Help if You are Being Bullied:

· Teachers

· Head Teacher

· Family

· Parents and Carers

· Guide/scout leaders

· School Council

· Friends

· School Ambassadors

· Childline

· NSPCC

· Police

· School Helpers

· Teaching Assistants

· Football Coaches

· Lunchtime Supervisors

 -Worry Boxes (in each classroom)

Our full anti-bullying policy can be found in the policies section of this website.