At Lochgoilhead Primary School and ELC Unit, we seek to be consistent and fair in how we address bullying behaviour. Our pupils, parents and staff have created an anti-bullying policy through consultation and discussion. All members of our school community are responsible for implementing it. This partnership approach ensures that everyone understands the needs, expectations, concerns and capabilities of each partner, and what they can expect to happen if bullying occurs.
This policy reflects Respect for All – The National Approach to Anti-Bullying for Scotland’s Children and Young People and the wider policy context in Scotland.
Bullying is both behaviour and impact; the impact is on a person’s capacity to feel in control of themselves. This is what we term as their sense of ‘agency’. Bullying takes place in the context of relationships; it is behaviour that can make people feel hurt, threatened and left out. This behaviour can happen face to face and online.
We do not label children as “bullies” or “victims”. Instead, we focus on the behaviour and its impact on others. Children who are experiencing bullying behaviour must have their concerns taken seriously, have their right to privacy respected, and know that there will be a prompt investigation. We recognise also that children who are demonstrating bullying behaviour need support, to understand the impact of their actions and opportunities to make amends and change their behaviour.
Staff intervene at the earliest possible stage to support children. The head teacher co-ordinates the response to a report of bullying behaviour. They listen and investigate, communicating with children, colleagues and parents, in working together to find solutions. The head teacher records and monitors confirmed bullying incidents in line with current Argyll and Bute policy.