ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Policy Consultation & Review

This policy is available on our school website and is available for viewing on request from the school office. We also inform parents and carers about this policy when their children join our school and through our school newsletter.

We recognise the expertise our staff build by undertaking safeguarding training and anti-bullying training on a termly basis and we therefore invite staff to contribute to and shape this policy.

This policy will be reviewed in full by the Governing Board on an annual basis. This policy was last reviewed and agreed by the Governing Board on September 1^st 2024. It is due for review on September 1^st 2025.     

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Maryann Eric

Head of School – Caroline Mbabie

Governor Responsible for Safeguarding: Chibuzo Unachukwu

1.           Purpose of this Policy Statement

CEDEC International Schools works with children and families as part of its educational activities. These include, but not limited to:

• ·      Delivering British international education from Pre-K to Year 12.
• ·       Providing pastoral care and safeguarding to ensure pupil well-being.
• ·       Creating a safe and inclusive school environment.

The purpose of this policy statement is:

• ·       To prevent bullying from happening between children and young people who are a part of our school community, or participate in our activities
• ·       To ensure bullying is stopped as soon as possible if it does happen and that those involved receive the support they need.
• ·       To provide clear guidance to staff, pupils, parents, and the wider school community on how to prevent and address bullying.

2.           Scope of this policy

This policy statement applies to anyone working on behalf of CEDEC International Schools including senior managers and the board of trustees, paid staff, teaching and non-teaching staff, volunteers, sessional workers, agency staff and students.

3.           Definition of Terms

·       Bullying: At CEDEC International Schools, we define bullying as 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. Bullying takes on various forms like:

o   Physical – pushing, poking, kicking, hitting, biting, pinching etc.

o   Verbal  - name calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, threats, teasing, belittling.

o   Emotional – isolating others, tormenting, hiding books, threatening gestures,  ridicule, humiliation, intimidating, excluding, manipulation and coercion.

o   Sexual – unwanted physical contact, inappropriate touching, abusive comments, homophobic abuse, exposure to inappropriate films etc.

o   Online /cyber – posting on social media, sharing photos, sending nasty text messages, social exclusion

o   Indirect - Can include the exploitation of individuals.

•     Child on child abuse: Not all instances of child-on-child abuse amount to bullying, however, KCSIE 2021 highlights the need for all schools to be vigilant and recognise the many types of child on child abuse where through violence, sexual violence and online abuse, children can be exploited, bullied or harmed by their peers. Staff need to be aware of this and that it can happen both inside and outside of school.

4.           Identifying Bullying

Children who are being bullied may not always be prepared to tell someone. It is important therefore that members of staff, parents and others who deal with the children are observant and alert for signs of bullying. These might include:

• •        unwillingness to come to school;
• •        withdrawn, isolated behaviour;
• •        sudden changes in behaviour: becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable;
• •        anxious or lacking in confidence;
• •        complaining about missing possessions;
• •        refusal to talk about the problem;
• •        being easily distressed;
• •        damaged or incomplete work;
• •        issues with eating/food;
• •        unexplained bruises/cuts/marks on body.

5.           Legal Framework

This policy has been developed in accordance with Nigerian and British legislation and safeguarding guidelines, including:

• ·       National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools 2021
• ·       Minimum Standards for Safe Schools 2021
• ·       The Education and Inspections Act 2006.
• ·       The Equality Act 2010.
• ·       The Children Act 1989.
• ·       Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024.
• ·       Child Rights Act 2003

6.           Our Commitment to Preventing Bullying

At CEDEC International Schools, we believe that children should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all pupils and ensure they feel safe. We know that bullying causes distress, impacts mental health, and can cause significant harm. We recognise that all pupils, regardless of age, gender, race, religion, or disability, have the right to equal protection from all forms of bullying.

7.           Our Preventative Measures

CEDEC International Schools will seek to prevent bullying by:

• ·       developing a code of behaviour that sets out how everyone involved in our school is expected to behave, in face-to-face contact and online, and within and outside of our activities.
• ·       holding regular discussions with staff, volunteers, children, young people and families who are members of our community about bullying and how to prevent it
• ·       providing support and training for all staff and volunteers on dealing with all forms of bullying
• ·       putting clear and comprehensive anti-bullying procedures in place.
• Our regular discussions with staff, volunteers, children, young people and families will focus on:
• •        group members’ responsibilities to look after one another and uphold the behaviour code
• •        practising skills such as listening to each other
• •        respecting the fact that we are all different
• •        making sure that no one is without friends
• •        dealing with problems in a positive way
• •        checking that our anti-bullying measures are working well.

8.           Responding to Bullying

We will make sure our response to incidents of bullying takes into account:

• •         the needs of the person being bullied
• •        the needs of the person displaying bullying behaviour
• •        needs of any bystanders
• •        our school community as a whole.

We will review the plan we have developed to address any incidents of bullying at regular intervals, in order to ensure that the problem has been resolved in the long term.

When bullying has been reported, the following actions will be taken:

• •        ● Teaching staff will record any bullying incidents reported by parents/carers here https://forms.gle/Wuod55x5XK1hHrxq8 and notify SLT immediately.
• •        Mrs Angela Okon will monitor information recorded and evaluate the results. This information will be shared termly with the Governing Body.
• •        All staff will offer support to the target of the bullying in discussion with the pupil’s/students’ class teacher. Individual meetings will then be held with any target of bullying to devise a plan of action that ensures they are made to feel safe and reassured that the bullying is not their fault.
• •        All staff will pro-actively respond to the bully who may require support. They will discuss with the target’s class teacher to devise a plan of action.
• •        Staff will inform parents or carers and where necessary involve them in any plan of action.
• •        Antibullying Staff Lead and SLT will assess whether any other authorities (such as police or the local authority) need to be involved, particularly when actions take place outside school.

School initiatives to prevent and tackle bullying

We use a range of measures to prevent and tackle bullying, including:

• •        A child-friendly anti-bullying policy placed on each walkway ensures all pupils understand and uphold the anti-bullying policy.
• •        Members of the school community must be alert to signs of bullying and act firmly and promptly against it in line with this policy.
• •        The PSHE programme of study includes opportunities for pupils to understand about different types of bullying and what they can do to respond to and prevent bullying, as does Circle Time in the kindergarten.
• •        The Safeglia Anti-bullying class pledge is printed and placed in each classroom for children to sign.
• •        School assemblies help raise pupil awareness of bullying and derogatory language.
• •        Difference and diversity are celebrated across the school through diverse themed days like Mother Language Day, French Language day, cultural Day etc
• •        The whole school participates in events such as Anti-Bullying Week, Online Safety Week.
• •        Members of staff regularly use PSHE lessons or circle time to explore issues such as having rights and respecting the rights of others. We look at the causes of bullying, the effects of being bullied or being a bully, and how to stop bullying, as well as the effect of being a bystander to bullying. Pupils will be given advice on what to do if they are being bullied or if they observe someone being bullied.
• •        Stereotypes are challenged by staff and pupils across the school.
• •        Restorative justice discussions, in line with our students code of conduct and behaviour management policy, provide support to targets of bullying and those who show bullying behaviour.
• •        Working with parents and carers and in partnership with community organisations to tackle bullying, where appropriate.
• ·       Pupil Voice & Peer-Led Interventions include peer mentoring programmes, Anti-Bullying Ambassador badges, annual pupil feedback in policy review.

 

9.           Bullying of Staff Members

The categories of bullying apply to staff members working in school. All staff are expected to follow the school’s Code of Conduct, so bullying in the workplace does not happen. Any incidents of concern need to be reported to a member of SLT in the campus.

10.        Derogatory language

Derogatory or offensive language is not acceptable and will not be tolerated. This type of language can take any of the forms of bullying listed in our definition of bullying. It will be challenged by staff and recorded and communicated to SLT, and follow up actions and sanctions, if applicable, will be taken for pupils and staff found using such language. All staff are also required to report the casual use of derogatory language to the Head of School.

11.        Prejudice-based incidents

A prejudice-based incident is a one-off incident of unkind or hurtful behaviour that is motivated by a prejudice or negative attitude, belief or view toward a minority group. It can be targeted towards an individual or group of people and have a significant impact on those targeted. All prejudice-based incidents are taken seriously and recorded and monitored in school, with the head teacher regularly reporting incidents to the governing body. This not only ensures that all incidents are dealt with accordingly, but also helps to prevent bullying as it enables targeted anti-bulling interventions.

12.        Diversity and Inclusion

We recognise that bullying is closely related to how we respect and recognise the value of diversity. Thus, we will be proactive about seeking opportunities to learn about and celebrate differences through themed days and weeks. Also, we would increase diversity within our staff, volunteers, children and young people, and be sure to welcome new members properly to our school through our induction process for staff, and orientation for students. See our Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy for more information.

13.        Reporting Incidents

All incidents of bullying can be reported through the following channels

• •        Speaking to a trusted teacher or staff member.
• •        Using anonymous reporting boxes in school (these are located on each corridor)
• •        Using virtual reporting links - https://forms.gle/Wuod55x5XK1hHrxq8  This link is also found on the school portal.
• •        Emailing the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead – dsl@cedecinternationalschools.org
• •        Parents contacting the school office at feedback@cedecinternationalschools.org
• •        Parents calling the school office at 09060007498, 09060007497
• 
  
• Reporting – roles and responsibilities

•        SAFEGUARDING GOVERNOR: Oversees the school’s anti-bullying strategy and ensures compliance with safeguarding regulations. Reviews severe bullying cases and ensures proper escalation to external agencies when necessary. Works with the Head of School to monitor the effectiveness of anti-bullying measures.

•        STAFF: All school staff, both teaching and non-teaching (for example midday supervisors, caretakers) have a duty to report bullying, to be vigilant to the signs of bullying and to play an active role in the school’s measures to prevent bullying. If staff are aware of bullying, they should reassure the pupils involved and inform their class teacher. The following staff members are anti-bullying leads: Mrs Angela Okon, Mr. Matthew Aliu. Staff will reinforce the school’s anti-bullying stance in daily interactions, ensure that safeguarding protocols are followed. Record and report bullying incidents.

•        SENIOR STAFF: The Senior Leadership Team and the Head Teacher have overall responsibility for ensuring that the anti-bullying policy is followed by all members of staff and that the school upholds its duty to promote the safety and well-being of all young people.

•        ANTI-BULLYING STAFF LEAD & DESIGNATED SAFEGUARDING LEAD. Investigate serious cases collaboratively, ensuring student welfare is prioritised. The Anti-Bullying Staff Lead manages intervention and student education, while the DSL assesses safeguarding concerns and determines if external agencies need to be involved. Both monitor bullying trends and adjust interventions accordingly.

•        PARENTS AND CARERS: 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 children not to retaliate, and support and encourage them to report the bullying. 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, being the class teacher in the first instance.

•        PUPILS and STUDENTS: Pupils should not take part in any kind of bullying and should watch out for signs of bullying among their peers. They should never be bystanders to incidents of bullying, but should offer support to the victims and, if possible, help them to tell a trusted adult.

14. Online Safety and Cyberbullying

CEDEC International Schools recognises the increasing prevalence of cyberbullying and its impact on pupil well-being. To this end, we will:

• •        Supervise internet use in school.
• •        Teach e-safety lessons as part of our PSHE and ICT curriculum.
• •        Monitor activity on the portal
• •        Monitor online activity to prevent harassment.
• •        Encourage parents to discuss online safety with their children.
• •        Include Online Safety in parents forums

15.        Consequences of Bullying

The purpose of consequences and/or sanctions is to encourage a pupil who has not behaved appropriately to reflect on their behaviour, consider how it has affected others and to try to ensure that there is no repeat of any unacceptable behaviour. The following are the various outcomes of bullying incidents in our school:

• •        The Students exhibiting the bullying behaviour may be asked to genuinely apologise.
• •        Students exhibiting the bullying behaviour may be

o   Held accountable for their actions.

o   Provided with behavioural interventions to address underlying issues.

o   Encouraged to make amends through restorative justice.

o   Made to serve detention

o   temporarily excluded, suspended, from School and in some very extreme cases, a pupil might be asked to leave the School permanently. Suspensions and permanent exclusions are very rare, as our primary focus is the education and development of young people. However, if a child poses a continuous danger to other children, suspensions and permanent exclusions will be considered.

• •        Other consequences such as those in our behaviour policy may take place.

o   Assertive training

o   Counselling (DSL, Mentor, Learning Manager, SLT, other)

o   Involvement of external agencies

o   Monitoring by Mentor/Learning Manager

o   Peer support/peer mentoring

o   Use of behaviour contract

o   Liaison with parent/carer/social worker

o   If possible, the students will be reconciled

After the incident/incidents have been investigated and dealt with, each case will be monitored to ensure repeated bullying does not take place. See the Behaviour Management Policy for more information.

16. Multi-Agency Support & External Reporting

Bullying cases that overlap with safeguarding concerns will be escalated to the following agencies when necessary:

• Local government child protection services – if bullying involves abuse, neglect, or severe emotional distress.
• Police – for cases involving violence, harassment, or cybercrime.
• Mental health professionals – when students require psychological support.

17.        Procedures for Investigating Bullying Incidents

• Timeframe: All reports will be acknowledged within 24 hours, and investigations will be completed within 5 working days where possible.
• Process:

o   Report received – via students, staff, or parents, including anonymous reporting systems.

o   Evidence collection – Interviews with the victim, accused, and witnesses. Review of any digital evidence (if applicable).

o   Decision-making – A panel including the Anti-Bullying Lead, DSL, and senior staff will assess findings.

o   Outcome and intervention – Appropriate disciplinary and restorative actions will be taken.

• Anonymous Reports: The school will ensure anonymous reporting mechanisms are not misused and will cross-check reports before action is taken.

18.        Resources and Support

CEDEC International Schools encourages all members of the school community to seek helpful resources and information from the following websites:

·       www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk

·       www.educateagainsthate.com

·       www.safegliaconsult.com

·       https://www.childnet.com/young-people/primary/the-smart-rules

·       www.thinkuknow.co.uk

·       www.nspcc.org.uk

·       www.ceop.gov.uk (this website is for reporting actual or attempted abuse online)

·       https://www.kidscape.org.uk/

·       https://www.stonewall.org.uk/

19.        Policy Monitoring and Review

CEDEC International Schools is committed to reviewing this policy annually to ensure effectiveness.

·       The Senior Leadership and Safeguarding Teams will assess trends in bullying incidents.

·       Pupil and parent feedback will be collected termly to improve anti-bullying strategies.

·       Updates will be communicated to the whole school community via the school website and portal.

20.        Policy Links

This policy works collaboratively with the following policies and documents

·       Whistleblowing policy

·       Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy

·       Behaviour Management Policy

·       Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Policy

·       Online Safety policy

·       Online Learning Policy

·       Students’ Code of Conduct

21.        Contact Information

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): [Name] – Mrs. Maryann Eric – 

Antibullying Staff Lead – Mrs. Angela Okon – 

Governor Responsible for Safeguarding: [Name] – Chibuzo Unachukwu –