At Westacre Middle School, every pupil has the right to feel safe, respected and included.

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.”

We are committed to providing a caring, welcoming and safe environment in which all pupils can learn, develop positive relationships and flourish. Bullying in any form is unacceptable and will always be taken seriously.

Preventing Bullying

Our approach begins with prevention. We promote a positive and inclusive school culture where pupils understand the importance of kindness, respect, belonging and celebrating difference.

We help pupils to recognise, prevent and respond to bullying through:

• PSHE and relationships education

• assemblies and our school values

• Anti-Bullying Week and other whole-school activities

• teaching about respectful relationships, equality and diversity

• online safety education

• regular opportunities for pupil voice and discussion

• promoting positive behaviour, resilience and personal responsibility.

We encourage pupils to be upstanders rather than bystanders and to tell an adult whenever they are worried about themselves or someone else.

We Are a TELLING School

Westacre is proud to be a TELLING School.

Pupils are regularly reminded that telling is not the same as “telling tales”. If something is happening that is making them or another pupil feel unsafe, worried or unhappy, we want them to speak to a trusted adult.

Any pupil, parent, carer or member of our school community who has concerns about bullying should tell a member of staff. Concerns will be listened to, taken seriously and responded to promptly.

Responding to Concerns

When bullying is reported, we will:

• listen carefully to the pupils involved and establish what has happened

• record and investigate concerns appropriately

• communicate with parents and carers

• provide appropriate support for the pupil who has experienced bullying

• work with the pupil or pupils responsible to address the behaviour and prevent it happening again

• agree actions and monitor the situation to ensure that the bullying has stopped.

Where appropriate, an Allegation of Bullying Form will be completed. This records the views of the children and parents/carers involved and identifies the actions and support that will be put in place.

Our aim is not only to respond effectively when bullying occurs, but to build a school culture where pupils feel that they belong, know that their voice matters and are confident that adults will help them.

If you are worried about bullying, please tell us. We will listen and we will act.