SENSE Learning - Anti-Bullying Policy

This Anti-Bullying Policy is made accessible to all Parents, Students, Local Authorities, Schools and SENse Learning associates.

Person responsible for ensuring that these policies are implemented and reviewed in line with the review dates: Sophie Amos, Operational Director

Introduction & Purpose

This policy is the Anti-Bullying Policy for SENse Learning, which will be followed by all members of the Organisation and promoted by those in leadership positions within the Organisation. This policy will be applied to all students and SENse Learning associates.

Policy Principles & Values

• The Organisation is committed to developing an anti-bullying culture where the bullying of adults and students is not tolerated in any form.

• The Organisation defines bullying as “behaviour by an individual or group, repeated over time that intentionally hurts another individual either physically or emotionally” (DfE ‘Preventing and Tackling Bullying’, July 2017).

• The Organisation recognises bullying as a form of peer-on-peer abuse. It can be emotionally abusive and can cause severe and adverse effects on children’s emotional development.

• The Organisation recognises that all forms of bullying, especially if left unaddressed, can have a devastating effect on individuals; it can create a barrier to learning and have serious consequences for mental wellbeing.

• By effectively preventing and tackling bullying, SENse Learning can help to create a safe and disciplined environment where students are able to learn and fulfil their potential.

Procedures

• The Organisation will monitor and review the anti-bullying policy and practice on a regular basis.

• The Organisation supports associates to promote positive relationships to help prevent bullying.

• The Organisation will intervene by identifying and tackling bullying behaviour appropriately and promptly.

• The Organisation will ensure our students are aware that bullying concerns will be dealt with sensitively and effectively, and that everyone should feel safe to learn and abide by the anti-bullying policy.

• The Organisation recognises the potential impact of bullying on the wider family of those affected, so it will work in partnership with parents or carers regarding all reported bullying concerns and will seek to keep them informed at all stages.

• The Organisation will deal promptly with grievances regarding the Organisation's response to bullying in line with our Complaints policy.

• The Organisation will utilise support from the LA and other relevant organisations where appropriate.

• The Organisation will support students and associates who have been bullied and those who have perpetrated bullying.

• The Organisation will create and support an inclusive environment which promotes a culture of mutual respect, consideration and care for others, which will be upheld by all.

• The Organisation will openly discuss differences between people that could motivate bullying, such as: children with different family situations, looked after children or those with caring responsibilities, religion, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexuality or appearance-related differences.

• Anti-Bullying and respecting differences in others, will be actively taught and promoted through The Organisation’s WILL Curriculum and PSHCE Curriculum which all students will access.

• The Organisation will take the following steps when responding to all incidents of bullying reported to SENse Learning:

1. The Organisation will provide appropriate support for the person being bullied – making sure they are not at risk of immediate harm and will involve them in any decision making, as appropriate.

2. The DSL, or another member of the leadership team, will interview all parties involved.

3. The DSL will be informed of all bullying issues where there are safeguarding concerns.

4. The Organisation will speak with and inform other associates, where appropriate.

5. The Organisation will ensure parents or carers are kept informed about the concern and action taken, as appropriate and inline with child protection and GDPR.

6. If necessary, other agencies may be consulted or involved, such as the police, if a criminal offence has been committed, or other local services including early help or children’s social care, if a student is felt to be at risk of significant harm.

7. A clear and precise account of bullying incidents will be recorded by the Organisation in accordance with existing procedures. This will include recording appropriate details regarding decisions and action taken.

• The Organisation will take the following steps when responding to all incidents of bullying reported to SENse Learning:

1. The Organisation will provide appropriate support for the person being bullied – making sure they are not at risk of immediate harm and will involve them in any decision making, as appropriate.

2. The DSL, or another member of the leadership team, will interview all parties involved.

3. The DSL will be informed of all bullying issues where there are safeguarding concerns.

4. The Organisation will speak with and inform other associates, where appropriate.

5. The Organisation will ensure parents or carers are kept informed about the concern and action taken, as appropriate and inline with child protection and GDPR.

6. If necessary, other agencies may be consulted or involved, such as the police, if a criminal offence has been committed, or other local services including early help or children’s social care, if a student is felt to be at risk of significant harm.

7. A clear and precise account of bullying incidents will be recorded by the Organisation in accordance with existing procedures. This will include recording appropriate details regarding decisions and action taken.

• The organisation will take the following steps when responding to all cyberbullying concerns reported to SENse Learning:

1. The Organisation will act as soon as an incident has been reported or identified. The Organisation will provide appropriate support for the person who has been cyberbullied and work with the person who has carried out the bullying to ensure that it does not happen again.

2. The Organisation will encourage the person being bullied to keep any evidence of the bullying activity to assist any investigation.

3. The Organisation will take all available steps where possible to identify the person responsible.

   1. This may include:

   2. Looking at the use of the school systems

   3. Identifying and interviewing possible witnesses

   4. Contacting the service provider and the police, if necessary

4. The Organisation will work with the individuals and online service providers to prevent the incident from spreading and assist in removing offensive or upsetting material from circulation. This may include:

   1. Support reports to a service provider to remove content if those involved are unable to be identified or if those involved refuse to or are unable to delete content.

5. Requesting the deletion of locally-held content and content posted online if this is deemed appropriate by the Directors.

6. Ensure that sanctions are applied to the person responsible for the cyberbullying; the Organisation will take steps to change the attitude and behaviour of the bully, as well as ensuring access to any additional help that they may need.

7. The Organisation will inform the police if a criminal offence has been committed.

8. The Organisation will provide information to associates and students regarding steps they can take to protect themselves online. This may include:

   1. Advising those targeted not to retaliate or reply

   2. Providing advice on blocking or removing people from contact lists

   3. Helping those involved to think carefully about what private information they may have in the public domain

For further details around peer on peer harm please refer to the Safeguarding Policy