Bullying

At Castle Hill we believe that all students are entitled to learn in an environment where they feel valued, respected and safe, free from all forms of bullying behaviour. It is made clear to students that bullying is wrong and will not be tolerated.

Whilst we do not tolerate bullying, abuse or harassment of any kind and there are few bullying incidents at Castle Hill, we can never be complacent and we recognise that bullying will inevitably occur. We have therefore put in place a robust Anti-Bullying Policy that encourages staff, students and parents to work together to tackle bullying.

The full version of this policy can be viewed here:

Anti Bullying Policy

We have also produced a more concise version of this policy for parents which highlights key ways in which you can support your child and this can be viewed here:

If you have any questions or comments about our Anti-Bullying Policy please contact our Headteacher, Mrs Hudson.

Both of these documents are also available from the school office.

What is Bullying?

Using the Anti-Bullying Alliance guidance, at Castle Hill we define bulling as:

"The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power"

Basically, this means that a "ringleader", is someone who hurts another person (the "target") usually more than once, by using behaviour which is meant to scare, hurt or upset that person.

It is important to remember that single problems and falling out with friends are not usually bullying. This is called "relational conflict"

Bullying is behaviour which is usually repeated on purpose and is meant to upset someone.

This video can help us all understand bullying a little more: 

//www.youtube.com/embed/EiTxGTFkLYM#t=0.5

There are different roles that can be taken in bullying situations, it is important that we all recognise these and understand the possible impact of behaviours displayed by our young people:

• Ringleader - Initiating and leading the bullying but not always the person ‘doing’ the bullying.
• Target - The person at whom the bullying is aimed.
• Assistant - Actively involved in ‘doing’ the bullying but not leading it
• Reinforcer - Supports the bullying, might laugh or encourage other people to ‘collude’
• Defender - Stands up for someone being bullied. Knows that bullying is wrong and feels confident enough to do something about it. This might involve talking to an adult.
• Outsider/Bystander - Ignores any bullying and doesn’t want to get involved.

This video can us to understand what these mean and how this may "look": 

//www.youtube.com/embed/XcPzUW2GaiY#t=0.5

 Parents 

• Parents and Carers should look out for potential signs of bullying such as distress, lack of concentration, feigning illness or other unusual behaviour.
• Parents and carers should encourage their child not to retaliate, support, and encourage them to report the bullying when it occurs.
• Parents and carers should inform school if they are concerned that their child may be bullied or be involved in bullying. We find that it is much more effective to speak to the school direct when an incident occurs and not to post it on social media as this may affect and delay any investigations and outcomes.
• Parents and carers can report an incident of bullying to the school either in person, or by phoning or emailing the school office or a member of staff (form teacher or the Pupil Support Team are the best contacts initially).

Parents and carers must also give due regard to and follow the principles of our respect ethos on school premises towards pupils, staff and other parents

Useful websites

The Anti-Bullying Alliance has lots of information to help support parents and provide help and assistance in dealing with bullying: 

Support and Advice for parents/carers

Kidscape 

Kidscape have lots of information and support to help with Bullying.

This also includes access to online workshops for young people impacted by Bullying. This is called "ZAP", which can help with assertiveness skills, raising self-esteem, exploring bullying roles, positive body language and cyberbullying. 

Zap workshops are free, practical sessions for young people ages 9-17 and their parents or carers. They provide help and tools to challenge bullying, while offering a safe, brave and therapeutic space for families to feel supported and empowered. 

ZAP workshop information

Kidscape

CHILDLINE

Childline offers young people a lot of advice and support for a wide range of topics, including Bullying. 

Childline - Bullying, Abuse, Safety & The Law

Getting help