Anti Bullying

‘Bullying behaviour abuses an imbalance of power to repeatedly and intentionally cause emotional or physical harm to another person or group of people. Isolated instances of hurtful behaviour, teasing or arguments between individuals would not be seen as bullying’ (Torfaen definition 2008).

This is reinforced by the Department of Education February 2017. ‘There is no legal definition of bullying. However, it is usually defined as behaviour where:

• the victim is targeted by an individual or group on a regular basis (it is repeated)
• there is intention to harm or humiliate physically or emotionally
• there is a power imbalance, the victim is fearful of those targeting him or her

When all of the above is happening it is highly likely that this is a bullying situation.

Bullying can include physical and emotional abuse such as name calling, taunting, mocking, making offensive comments, kicking, hitting, taking belongings, producing offensive graffiti, gossiping, peer isolation (e.g. excluding people from groups) and spreading hurtful and untruthful rumours.

The same unacceptable behaviours can be expressed online. This is sometimes called online bullying or cyberbullying and can include sending offensive, upsetting and inappropriate messages by phone, text, instant messenger, through gaming, websites, social media sites and apps, and sending offensive or degrading photos or videos.

All types of bullying are unacceptable at our Academy and will not be tolerated

KiVa
At Monks Coppenhall Academy, we participate in the KiVa programme, which is a research-based anti-bullying programme that has been developed in the University of Turku, Finland. The effectiveness of KiVa has been shown in a large randomised controlled trial.

Monks Coppenhall Academy has implemented and embedded the KiVa programme. A KiVa Team manages any incidents of bullying at the Academy.
Through both universal and indicated actions, KiVa aims to prevent bullying and tackle any emerging cases of bullying. KiVa Ambassadors have been elected to support any friendship issues in the playground.

KiVa is only applicable at Key Stage 2. All Key Stage 2 children will receive one KiVa lesson that will take place each half term and children will participate in the on-line survey for children in June.

In Early Years and Key Stage 1, other strategies are used such as ‘Friendship Terrace’, RSHE and PSHE to promote tolerance and respect towards others.

The Academy Prefects have all been appointed KiVa Ambassadors who work on a rota basis throughout the week. They act as a visual presence on the playground to remind all Key Stage 2 children of what behaviour is expected and also as someone who they can talk to if a child is not comfortable in going straight to an adult.

The KiVa Lead regularly meets with the KiVa Ambassadors to organise assemblies and support the KiVa Ambassadors.