Preventing Bullying
Every pupil at Wilson’s has the right to feel safe, respected and a sense of belonging. Kindness, courtesy and consideration are central to the school’s culture and underpin our Code of Conduct’s principle that:
“Everybody will act with courtesy and consideration to others at all times.”
Bullying, unlawful discrimination, harassment, violence and derogatory language are not tolerated. Pupils are encouraged to report such behaviour as soon as possible and staff have a responsibility to respond promptly, consistently and sensitively in accordance with school policy.
What do we mean by bullying and discriminatory behaviour?
We define bullying as behaviour by an individual or group that:
is repeated over time
is intended to hurt another person physically or emotionally
may involve an imbalance of power that makes it difficult for the person affected to defend themselves
Bullying may be motivated by an actual or perceived difference. This can include prejudice relating to race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or SEND, as well as a pupil being adopted, being in care or having caring responsibilities.
The school addresses bullying that takes place on the school site, during school activities, on journeys to and from school, and online or outside of school when it affects pupils’ safety, well-being or relationships within school.
Individual incidents of harmful behaviour that do not meet the definition of bullying are still taken seriously and addressed under the school’s behaviour and safeguarding procedures.
Racist, religiously prejudiced, sexist, homophobic, biphobic, transphobic and disability-related language or behaviour is unacceptable. So too are sexual harassment, victimisation and language which demeans an individual or group. Such conduct will be challenged regardless of motivation or intent.
How we seek to prevent bullying
The most effective response to bullying and discriminatory behaviour begins with a culture in which pupils know what is expected and feel confident that concerns will be heard.
Through PSHE, form periods, assemblies and the wider curriculum, pupils learn:
how to recognise bullying, harassment and discriminatory behaviour and understand their harmful effects;
how to respect differences and maintain safe, respectful relationships, including online;
how to report concerns, obtain support and respond responsibly when they witness wrongdoing;
how to manage disagreements and resolve conflict appropriately.
Staff model the standards expected of pupils and challenge behaviour or language that falls below them. Pupils are encouraged to demonstrate the strength of character to act when something is wrong, whether by challenging behaviour safely, supporting the pupil affected as a ‘helpful bystander’ or reporting the matter to a member of staff.
How to report a concern
Pupils should report bullying, harassment or discriminatory behaviour affecting themselves or others as soon as possible. They may speak to their form tutor, Head of Year, Key Stage Director, the Equalities Lead or any trusted member of staff. They may also use the school’s Report a Concern facility, including anonymously.
Parents and carers should contact the pupil’s Head of Year in the first instance. Reports are handled sensitively, although information may be shared when necessary to investigate a concern or protect a pupil. No pupil will be criticised for raising a concern in good faith.
How concerns are addressed
The school considers the nature, seriousness and circumstances of each case. Staff establish what has happened, safeguard those involved and listen carefully to the pupil reporting the concern. They agree what should happen next and provide support tailored to the pupil’s needs, involving the school counsellor, school nurse or another professional where appropriate. Cases are followed up to ensure that the behaviour has stopped and that the pupil affected feels safe and has no ongoing concerns.
Pupils responsible for harmful behaviour are expected to understand its impact, accept responsibility and change their conduct. Proportionate consequences may be accompanied by educational, restorative or pastoral support.
Safeguarding procedures are followed where necessary, and the school works with parents, the local authority, police and other agencies as appropriate.
Recording, monitoring and improvement
Incidents of bullying, discriminatory behaviour and derogatory language are recorded, reviewed and followed up. Leaders analyse patterns and use this information to evaluate the school’s provision. Ultimately, the aim is to sustain a community in which every pupil is known, valued and respected; pupils trust adults to act fairly and harmful behaviour is never tolerated.
Bullying, harassment and discrimination are regularly subject to discussion by Key Stage Directors and the wider Pastoral Team.
Further information
Further details of the school’s expectations, procedures and responsibilities are available on the Policies and Inspection Reports page.
If you are uncertain about whether something should be reported, please speak to a member of staff or use Report a Concern. We would always prefer to hear about a concern and offer appropriate help.
