At Holy Cross we aim to live by the Values of the Gospel. We promote an anti-bullying culture which encourages pupils and staff to speak out when they feel bullying is taking place. Bullying has no place at Holy Cross and we will work closely with pupils and their parents to ensure that everyone here is treated with Respect and Dignity.

Bullying is both behaviour and impact; what someone does and the impact it has on a person’s capacity to feel in control of themselves. We call this their sense of ‘agency’.
Bullying takes place in the context of relationships. It is behaviour that can make people feel hurt, threatened, frightened and left out and it can happen face to face and online. Bullying behaviour can harm people physically or emotionally and, although the actual behaviour might not be repeated, the threat that it might can be sustained over time, typically by actions: looks, messages, confrontations, physical interventions, or the fear of these. (Respectme)

This behaviour can include:

• Being called names, teased, put down or threatened face to face and/or online.
• Being hit, tripped, pushed or kicked.
• Having belongings taken or damaged.
• Being ignored, left out or having rumours spread about you (face to face and/or online).
• Sending abusive messages, pictures or images on social media, online gaming platforms or phone.
• Behaviour which makes people feel like they are not in control of themselves or their lives.
• Being targeted because of who you are or who you are perceived to be (face to face and/or online.

Should Bullying Occur

In the first instance, all pupils involved in the incident(s) will be spoken with individually. Once the facts are established a Senior Management Team member will work restoratively ensure that all pupils have the opportunities to be listened to and begin to understand the impact of the incident.

The pupil who has been affected by the bullying behaviour will have the opportunity to speak to a member of the SMT as frequently as they feel necessary. The SMT will also timetable ‘check ins’ to ensure the pupil feels safe and happy at school. The SMT will inform all relevant staff that an incident has occurred to ensure there is no repeat of the behaviour. This ensures effective monitoring in class, playground and dining hall. Parents/Carers will also be contacted and advised of the incident and the steps taken in school to resolve the matter. Parents/Carers are most welcome to come into school and discuss the matter further should they wish.

SMT will work with the pupil displaying the bullying behaviour to understand the reasons behind this. At this point parents/carers will be contacted to discuss their child’s actions. Appropriate sanctions and supports will then be implemented. Sanctions and supports will be agreed on a case by case bases and in discussion with the parents and the pupil.

Prevention

At Holy cross we adopt a number of approaches which are designed to promote an anti-bullying culture.

• All children learning the importance of Gospel Values through our This is Our Faith RERC programme.
• All children learn about their Rights and why they should Respect others.
• Our Health and Wellbeing programme ensures Anti Bullying is covered each year.
• We use Circle time, buddies and peer mediation to resolve difficulties and disagreements.
• SMT provide regular check-ins for pupils requiring additional support with behaviour. Where appropriate support services within Education and Health will be contacted.
• Reflection time provides a time for pupils to talk and discuss issues with a member of the SMT.
• We display Childline posters around the school.

 

Anti-bullying is the Responsibility of All.

It is important that should a pupil feel bullied or an adult is aware that bullying behaviour is taking place they should report this to the SMT. Where a pupil believes bullying is happening to a friend or classmate they should always be encouraged to share this with a trusted adult who can then inform the SMT.