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Behaviour and Attitudes
At Wansdyke School our children grow in a happy and caring environment where they develop their individuality.
Wansdyke is a place where everyone is encouraged to achieve their own potential and nurture
their own talents, ultimately developing a growth mind-set promoting life-long learning. If children are to achieve their own personal best and to become responsible and confident members of the community they need to feel safe and secure in an ordered environment, where their choices have clear consequences. Creating such an environment is the responsibility of all members of the school community through recognising that they all have responsibilities and rights.
Bullying:
Wansdyke School is committed to providing a safe, supportive and inclusive environment where all children can learn happily and confidently. Bullying is not tolerated, whether it occurs in school, online, or outside of school. We work in partnership with parents, pupils and staff to prevent bullying and respond promptly and effectively when it occurs.
What Is Bullying?
Bullying is defined by the school (using the Anti‑Bullying Alliance definition) as:
“The repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can happen face‑to‑face or online.
Bullying usually includes:
- Repetition – it happens more than once, over time
- Intent – it is meant to cause harm or distress
- Targeting – it is directed at a specific child or group
- Power imbalance – the person bullying has power (real or perceived) over the other
What Bullying Can Look Like
Bullying can take many forms, including:
- Verbal – name‑calling, teasing, threats, spreading rumours
- Physical – hitting, pushing, kicking or damaging belongings
- Emotional / Relational – exclusion, isolation, manipulation or intimidation
- Online (Cyber‑bullying) – hurtful messages, sharing images, social media exclusion or harassment
There is no hierarchy of bullying – all forms are taken equally seriously.
Vulnerable Children
Some children may be more vulnerable to bullying, including pupils with:
- Special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
- Health or mental health needs
- Caring responsibilities
- Experience of care or adoption
However, any child can be affected, and all concerns are taken seriously. [Anti Bully...ing Policy | PDF]
Bullying vs. Friendship Conflict
Not all disagreements are bullying. Relational conflicts
- Are usually one‑off or occasional
- Involve a balance of power
- Are not intended to cause harm
Even so, the school will support children to resolve conflict and monitors situations closely so they do not escalate into bullying.
Reporting Bullying
Parents are encouraged to:
- Contact their child’s class teacher or key stage leader with any concerns or complete the online form below
- Share changes in behaviour or wellbeing that may indicate bullying
- Work with the school, understanding that investigations consider all perspectives
All reports are:
- Taken seriously
- Logged and investigated
- Escalated to senior leaders when necessary
- Shared with parents of both the child affected and the alleged bully
How the School Responds
When bullying is confirmed:
- The child affected is supported emotionally and practically
- The child responsible is helped to understand the impact of their behaviour
- Appropriate consequences are put in place
- Incidents are monitored over time to ensure the bullying has stopped
Support may include:
- Emotional support (ELSA)
- Restorative approaches (with consent)
- Adjustments in school routines
- Involvement of external agencies where needed
Cyber‑Bullying
The school actively educates pupils and parents about online safety. Children are taught:
- How to recognise cyber‑bullying
- How to save evidence
- Who to report concerns to
The school may take action relating to online behaviour if it impacts pupils’ safety or wellbeing.
Preventing Bullying
Prevention is central to the school’s approach and includes:
- PSHE and curriculum teaching about respect and relationships
- Promoting diversity and inclusion
- Staff training and supervision
- Encouraging pupils and parents to speak out early
Click here to see our behaviour policy
