We deal with bullying immediately and we operate a zero tolerance of it.  

There is no legal definition of bullying, so we have adopted The Anti-Bullying Alliance (UK) definition: 

“Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or psychological. It can happen face-to-face or online.” 

This definition highlights the fact that bullying can be by an individual or a group against another individual or group. It is commonly accepted that bullying is deliberately hurtful (including aggression), causes feelings of distress/fear/loneliness in the victim, is difficult for victims to defend themselves against (as there is an imbalance or perceived imbalance of power between the perpetrator and victim) and repeated over a period of time. 

We are also clear that bullying is not: 

• One-off occasions of being left out, people not getting along, meanness or nastiness. 

• A random act that made you scared or hurt. 

• Falling out, arguing, or fighting with people when both sides are to blame. 

Even though these are not bullying, these are still not acceptable behaviour and will still be dealt with. They may still constitute child-on-child abuse.  

If a pupil feels like bullying or child-on-child abuse is taking place, they should tell a member of staff as soon as possible and action and support is logged on CPOMS. 

If they are not the victim, they can support the victim by: 

• Going with them to see a member of staff and backing up what they say to the member of staff. 

• Telling them that you'll help them to tell their parents. 

• Helping them tell their parents what's happening and asking them to communicate that to their Head of Year. 

• Keeping a diary of what they see going on so that they can give the member of staff a reliable account of what has been happening. 

Pupils are reminded not to be tempted to respond to any bullying or hit back because they could get hurt or get into trouble themselves. 

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