Anti Bullying
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
Anti-Bullying Programme
Monks Coppenhall Academy has implemented and embedded an Anti-Bullying programme. Through both universal and indicated actions, this aims to prevent bullying and tackle any emerging cases of bullying.
All Key Stage 2 children will receive an Anti-Bullying lesson every half term and take part in an annual safeguarding survey, which includes questions about bullying.
In Early Years and Key Stage 1 other strategies are used such as ‘Friendship Terrace’, Circle Time, RSHE and PSHE to promote tolerance and respect towards others.
The above activities are also supplemented by key stage assemblies, participation in Anti-Bullying Week and Safer Internet Day, and pupil voice activities, such as Children’s Council meetings and surveys or questionnaires.
Children in each Key Stage Two class have been appointed Anti-Bullying Ambassadors and work on a rota basis throughout the week, wearing blue hi-vis vests to indicate their role. 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.