The Respect for All Guidelines (2018) for schools incorporates revised national anti-bullying guidelines (Scottish Government 2017) that underpins our Schools’ Policy.

Respect for All aims to ensure that all sectors and communities, at a national and local level, are consistently and coherently contributing to a holistic approach to anti-bullying, regardless of the type of bullying. This includes an explicit commitment to addressing prejudice-based bullying. Central to this, Respect for All is underpinned by the values of:

• Fairness
• Respect
• Equality
• Inclusion

We also acknowledge The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child:

• Children’s Rights are now embedded in Scottish legislation with the promotion and upholding of the rights of children and young people and states that all education should develop each child’s personality and talents to the full. Children’s voices should be heard, and their wishes respected without discrimination of any kind.

And, The Equality Act 2010 that places a duty on schools to:

• Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment, victimisation and any other conduct prohibited by the Act.
• Advance equality of opportunity between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.
• Foster good relations between people who share a protected characteristic and people who do not share it.

The Equality Act 2010 put legislation in place to prevent direct or indirect discrimination against persons due to their:

• Age
• Disability
• Sex (Gender)
• Gender reassignment (Transgender)
• Marriage and civil partnership
• Pregnancy and maternity
• Race
• Religion or belief
• Sexual orientation

Dumfries and Galloway Council’s priorities also place every child’s wellbeing at the centre. In schools we do this by adhering to the principles of GIRFEC.

On occasion a school may need to exclude a child or young person to put in plans in place to address behaviours and plan for an effective return to school. This will vary, depending on the individual circumstances and the changes/actions identified. However, exclusion should not be regarded as a punishment, but instead be an opportunity to make changes that will improve the educational experience for your child and others.

We also believe that Parents/Carers and staff have the same rights to be heard, understood and respected.

Occasionally the behaviour or actions of individuals in contact with us may be seen as vexatious or unacceptable. The Unacceptable Actions Policy has been developed to ensure that our customers and staff are treated equally, fairly and with respect. For more Information please visit: Unacceptable Actions Policy – Dumfries and Galloway Council.