Anti-Bullying Strategies in the Primary School and there impact on pupil engagement in their learning environment.

Why this is leading practice

Anti Bullying strategies have been developed over the last year and in that time we have lead the way and supported a number of schools in this area.  In our recent OFSTED inspection they recognised the good practice that was taking place and the impact that this has had on the school and the wider community.  Teachers have embraced our Anti bullying policy with enthusiasm and professionalism.  The lead practionier ensures that policy is followed and bullying remains of high profile.  We have lead and shared our practice with other schools and agencies in the authority. 

Impact to date

• The school has been on a journey. From a survey carried out as part of a Local Authority pilot study the school learnt that there were incidents of name calling. The school reviewed their systems, including Esafety and it now has a more rigours, tiered procedure of reporting in place.
• The impact of the work carried out by staff, children, parents, Governors and Local Authority is that teachers have been enabled to focus on teaching and pupils on learning; there is greater trust and pupils look after one another.
• Everyone is held accountable; for example in a recent Headteacher’s Report to the Governing Body 19 incidents were reported; on investigation 2 were classified as bullying.
• The impact of a shared sense of purpose and expectations of all is permeating out into the wider community as all learn how to cope with worries caused by others; these have indeed included name calling but also such things as death and family separations.
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Rationale / Start Point

Our school has always been recognised for its pupils well being and caring ethos.  As a result we helped lead on the Anti Bullying Charter Mark with the LA startegy manager for bullying.  The process allowed us to be more robust in our own practice leading to a common goal with all stakeholders.  Anti Bullying now has a high profile within our school and we have seen the impact through the positive behaviours of pupils and feedback from parents.  Records show our pupils feel safe and happy.

Key Strategies

• Review of policy and procedures
• Survey of parents and pupils
• Training on what bullying is / common language for all stakeholders
• Member of support staff identified as lead practitioner
• Whole school commitment / constant vigilance
• Reporting system set up with data tracking
• Buddies from each class working as befrienders in the playground
• Buddy bench installed in the playground
• Worry sheets widely available and sent home on a regular basis
• Posters around school / display board in the hall
• Dedicated time for Anti-bullying Co-ordinator to input and begin to analyse data as well as council pupils (both bullied and bullies)
• HT includes data in report to Governors
• Communication of the school’s work / further training via assemblies, cluster groups, DVD, presentations at conferences
 

Sustainability and Further Development

• The school feel that it will be possible to sustain this work as the whole school community is committed to their approach. It is cost effective as it incurs low costs.
• Further development is being planned to inform new parents, children and staff.
• Work within cluster of schools is being planned as is future work on transition with a number of local secondary schools.