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| General
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In
Foyle View School, an ethos exists in which pupils are respected and
valued as individuals and where their self- confidence and self-esteem
are fostered routinely. A climate of openness, consultation and
participation, in which pupils views are sought, listened to and
respected, will do much to build sound working relationships in which
behaviour is no longer an issue and bullying is not tolerated either by
staff or by pupils.
It
is an integral part of the Foyle View Pastoral Care Policy and is set in
the context of our promoting positive behaviour policy and the schools
child protection procedures. Foyle
View School is completely opposed to bullying and will not tolerate it.
All members of this school community have a right to work in a secure
and caring environment.
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| Definition
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Bullying
is an act of aggression causing embarrassment, pain or discomfort to
someone whether a child or an adult. It can be: physical, verbal, making
gestures, extortion and exclusion. It is an abuse of power. It can be
planned and organised, or it may be unintentional. It may be perpetuated
by individuals or by groups. |
| Forms
of Bullying
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Physical- hitting, pushing, etc
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Interfering with someone’s property, e.g, stealing,
damaging
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Using offensive names when addressing individuals
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Teasing or spreading rumours
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Belittling an individuals ability and/or achievements
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Ridiculing another pupils appearance, way of speaking or
personal mannerisms.
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| Staff
Responsibilities
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Our
Staff will:
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foster in our pupils self-esteem, self-respect and respect
for others;
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demonstrate by example the high standards of personal and
social behaviour we expect of our pupils;
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discuss bullying with all classes and recognise the
importance of telling a teacher or classroom assistant about
bullying when it happens;
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be alert to the signs of distress and other possible
indications of bullying and keep a record of these;
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Listen to children who have been bullied, take what they
say seriously and act to support and protect them;
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be aware of non- verbal clues which our pupils may exhibit
when dealing with specific adults or others within the school
community;
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report suspected cases of bullying to Designated or Deputy
Teacher responsible for Child Protection;
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follow up any complaint by parent about bullying, and
report back promptly and fully on the action which has been taken;
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deal with observed instances of bullying promptly and
effectively, in accordance with agreed procedures.
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| Pupil
Responsibilities
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We
expect pupils to:
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refrain from becoming involved in any kind of bullying;
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intervene to protect the pupil who is being bullied if this
is possible;
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report to a member of staff any witnessed or suspected
instances of bullying, to dispel any climate of secrecy and help
to prevent further instances.
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| Anyone
who becomes the target of bullies should not suffer in silence.
The school ethos should support individuals to speak out or
give non-verbal clues, to put an end to their suffering and that
of other potential targets.
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| Parental
Responsibilities
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We ask our parents to support their
children and Foyle View School by:
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watching
for signs of distress or unusual behaviour in their children,
which might be evidence of bullying;
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talking
to their child about `telling` a responsible adult about what is
happening;
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being
vigilant about the reactions of their children to different pupils
or staff and report these concerns on to the school;
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being
sympathetic and supportive towards their children, and reassuring
them that appropriate action will be taken;
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keeping
a written record of any reported instances of bullying;
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informing
the school of any suspected bullying, even if their children are
not involved;
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co-operating
with the school, if their children are accused of bullying, try to
ascertain the truth, and point out the implications of bullying,
both for the children who are bullied and for the bullies
themselves.
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