Dealing with bullying incidents at Frederick Gent school
All bullying allegations at Frederick Gent School are taken seriously and acted upon within 24 hours of a report being received. All reports are thoroughly investigated. Throughout the process, there is a focus on supporting the victim whilst also addressing the behaviour of the perpetrator.
During the investigation process I, as the Anti Bullying Coordinator, liaise closely with the pastoral team to provide support and guidance. During the investigation evidence is gathered from a variety of sources. As part of this, the year team will speak to the parents/guardians of those pupils involved. Ultimately the school will then make a decision regarding appropriate outcomes. Every bullying report is logged both in the safeguarding and behaviour records. As part of our response, the Anti Bullying Coordinator will work not only with the victim to support their future development but also the perpetrator to address their behaviour.
Pupils continue to receive education on the types and effects of bullying through PSHE sessions, tutor activities and assemblies. Pupils are always reminded how to reach out for support if they are concerned about themselves or their peers and are taught about the importance of being an upstander and not a bystander.
Examples of ways in which a pupil can raise concerns are;
- On-line via the Sharp System – www.fgs.thesharpsystem.com
- Speaking to a trusted adult in school. In the first instance this would be their form tutor, ALSA or class teacher. If they feel that the issue is not being resolved, pupils can speak to their Achievement Leader. Pupils should always remember that all adults in school are there to support them if necessary.
- Speaking to a parent for the parent to contact school.
It is important to remember that if there is bullying in school that means that there are children who are bullies. It is important that all concerned; staff, students and families can have an honest discussion around this if we are to effectively address this issue. Similarly, it is important that there is a distinction between comments and actions that are clearly targeted and persistent and one-off fall-outs.
Please also remember that the sooner we are aware of issues, the sooner we can look to resolve things. We always encourage pupils to inform us of any issues straight away rather than waiting to let us know.
