Bullying and Humiliation Policy

Skoolz Out has a zero tolerance for any type of bullying or humiliation. Incidents of bullying are rare in the Afterschool due to the levels of supervision. Any forms of bullying, whether physical or verbal, will be taken seriously.

Bullying is a regular topic, which enables staff to explain to children what constitutes as bullying and that comments they may think are funny may not feel that way to another child. We have rules in afterschool that have been written with the children’s involvement.

The victim and offender will be supported by staff and every effort will be made to find the reason for the aggression/intimidation and an appropriate solution.

The offender will receive appropriate sanctions as outlined in the policy. Parent/carers of the victim and offender will be informed following any incident, what action will be taken and reassured that the situation will be closely monitored.

If Skoolz Out is unable to find a successful solution the matter will be referred to outside agencies (e.g. educational psychologist)

Humiliation

A child must NEVER be put into a humiliating situation either by another child, member of staff, volunteer or staff members or visitor. The staff will never use unacceptable language such as saying, “your stupid”, “shut up” “your naughty”. Staff know to focus on the behaviour and not the child.

 

If this situation arises it must be dealt with accordingly i.e. humiliation by another child to be dealt with by staff members, otherwise the incident must be reported to the room Senior or the Manager.

 

Learning right from wrong

Children need to develop their social skills which includes learning right from wrong and what is, or is not, acceptable behaviour. They need to learn how to cope with strong feelings and to control their anger. Staff will focus on the behaviour not the child.

 

 

 

 

Skoolz out praise positive behaviour and we will encourage and praise children for behaving appropriately. We always treat children with respect and show, by example, appropriate ways to behave with others. We plan activities which allow children to explore right and wrong in a non-threatening context. Giving opportunities for children to work as a team, learn to share resources, accept that we cannot be winners all the time and that it’s the taking part that counts.

 

Bullying and Harassment Procedures:

When dealing with any incidents of bullying you should use the following questions to lead discussion and to check in on all children in a supportive environment. Older children can write their responses.

  1. Has someone called you upsetting names?
  2. Has someone laughed at you and made you cry or feel bad?
  3. Has someone hurt you by pushing, kicking, hitting, punching, or biting you?
  4. Has someone forced you to give them something?
  5. Has someone made you do something you were frightened to do?
  6. Has someone made you do wrong things?
  7. Has someone encouraged you to bully others?
  8. Has someone refused to let you join in their games for no good reason?
  9. Has someone refused to speak to you when you wanted to be their friend?
  10. Has someone encouraged other children to ignore you?

If there are some ‘yes’ answers the staff will work with the child and parents to ensure that he/she feels safe.

You must support the target and the offender and make every effort find the reason for the aggression/intimidation and an appropriate solution.

It is important that you let the child calm down before you speak to them. The child may know what helps them calm down if not you can suggest strategies that may work e.g. deep breathing, going for a walk.

 

 

 

It is essential that you focus on the behaviour and not the child.

The best way to do this is to use the P.E.P. approach:

  • Go to the child.
  • Make eye contact.
  • Pose a question.

E.G. “why did you throw the ball across the room? This is not acceptable behaviour. You could have hurt someone.”

Best practice in dealing with unacceptable behaviour is to:

  • Acknowledging that children have strong feelings that they may not know how to express.
  • Helping them to talk about what these feelings are and how to deal with any situations that arise.
  • Supporting children to manage their feelings and to find ways to cope with difficult situations.
  • Support children to calm down using different techniques e.g. deep breathing, tearing paper,
  • Supporting the children to resolving conflict by talking through the effects of their behaviour on others and helping them to work out appropriate behaviour.

Reviewed February 2024