Anti-bullying Policy

This anti-bullying policy is aimed at ensuring that pupils learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment without fear of being bullied. The anti-social behaviour of bullying can affect everyone. It is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Children, young people, and students should feel confident in reporting alleged bullying incidents as these will be dealt with fairly and sensitively by the appropriate staff members.

Enact Music Ltd will raise awareness of the nature of bullying through wall posters, occasional advice from teachers to students at lessons and group activities, information to students, staff and parents on Enact Music website and other appropriate means to eradicate such behaviour.

 

1.1 Definition of bullying

Bullying is defined as deliberately hurtful behaviour, repeated over a period of time, where it is difficult for those being bullied to defend themselves. Cyber-bullying is equally unacceptable and refers to aspects of similar behaviour perpetrated using the internet, contact websites, mobile phones, texting and other electronic means.

There are three main types of bullying:

• Physical (hitting, kicking, theft)

• Verbal (name-calling, sectarian comments, racist remarks)

• Indirect (spreading rumours, inappropriate texting, excluding someone from social groups, innuendo)

 

1.2 Managing incidents of alleged bullying

The following steps must be taken when dealing with incidents:

• If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident must be dealt with immediately by the member of staff who has been approached

• A clear account of the incident must be recorded and given to Enact Music Director

• All concerned will be interviewed and the incident recorded. Parents will be informed at the outset

• Teachers and members of staff will be informed, and if bullying behaviour persists

• Enact Music Director will advise the appropriate teacher and staff as appropriate

• Parents will continue to be kept informed and included in any actions

• Disciplinary measures will be used as appropriate in consultation with all parties involved.

 

1.3 Procedures where bullying has been substantiated

Pupils who have been bullied will be supported as follows:

• Offered an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with Enact Music Director, Teacher or member of staff of their choice

• Reassuring the pupil

• Offered continuous support

• Restoring self-esteem and confidence

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Pupils who have been engaged in bullying behaviour will be helped by:

• Discussing what happened

• Discovering why the pupil became involved

• Establishing the wrongdoing and the need to change

• Informing parents/ those with parental responsibility to help change the attitude and pupil's behaviour.

 

1.4 Disciplinary measures

The actions below may be taken:

• Official warning aimed at ceasing offending and promoting change behaviours

• Exclusion from certain areas at Enact Music premises or certain activities

• Minor fixed term exclusion (up to two weeks)

• Major fixed-term exclusion (3 weeks or more)

• Permanent exclusion