" ***** Council is committed to providing a safe, supportive environment for all people in its educational establishments"

"Every pupil has a right to work and learn in an atmosphere that is free from victimisation and fear".

"Children have the right to protection from all forms of violence (physical or mental). They must be kept safe from harm and they must be given proper care by those looking after them."

[The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Article 19]

The ****** Association is committed to this ethos and seeks to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the prevention of all forms of bullying among Members."

Definition of bullying:
It is up to each individual organisation to devise or adopt their own definition of bullying behaviour.  It is important that this is done through consultation.  Different organisations have different behavioural expectations and therefore may have different boundaries and thresholds on what is and what is not acceptable behaviour.  Included in this we would expect to see:

• What does bullying look/feel like?
• What forms can bullying take?
• A recognition of prejudice-based bullying (racism, homophobia, disabilist, sexist etc)

Expectations:  
What does the organisation expect of its members?  This section is likely to outline basic rules of behaviour: respectful relationships etc.  There is likely to be overarching organisational expectations that would be highlighted here.  This section should not be confined to expectations of children and young people but should also include expectations on and responsibilities of staff, management and parents/carers.

Prevention of bullying:
What the organisation is committed to doing in order to raise awareness of and prevent bullying.  This section has to reflect how the organisation will:

• aim to promote a culture where bullying is unacceptable, including role modelling behaviour from staff, etc
• plan any pro-active strategies that will be employed (anti-bullying weeks/days, assemblies, posters to be displayed, parents' nights, staff training etc)
• ensure safety of stakeholders i.e. staff supervision, etc

This section should also highlight how the policy fits with other relevant, existing policies. 

Action:  
What will the organisation do when faced with an incident or accusation of bullying behaviour?  This is the place to lay out:

• All of the strategies that the organisation has decided to employ in relation to dealing with bullying concerns/allegations/incidents
• When, how and if parents/carers will be informed
• The monitoring and recording procedures that will be used
• What follow up support mechanisms are in place to support those involved with bullying behaviour

Appendices: 
Any further information should be attached to the policy.  This may include:

• information leaflets for young people, parents etc explaining the policy
• monitoring and reporting pro-forma(s)
• evidence of consultations and impact assessments carried out