Bumbles Day Care > Our Families > Anti-Bullying

Anti-Bullying

Principle and statement of intent

  • At Bumbles Day Care we are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our children. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable across all of our settings, and parents should be assured that they will be supported when bullying is reported.At Bumbles Day Care we have formulated our policy using the following publications:

What is bullying?

Bullying is the use of aggression with the intention of hurting another person. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim. Bullying can be:-

  • Emotional: being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding possessions, threatening gestures)
  • Physical: pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
  • Racist: racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
  • Sexual: unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
  • Homophobic: because of, or focussing on the issue of sexuality
  • Verbal: name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
  • Cyber: All areas of internet, such as email and internet chat-room misuse; mobile phone threats by text messaging and calls; misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera and video facilities.

Why is it important to respond to bullying?

Bullying hurts. No one deserves to be a victim of bullying. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. Children who are bullying should be encouraged to learn different ways of behaving. We have a responsibility to respond promptly and effectively to issues of bullying.

Signs and symptoms

A child may indicate by signs or behaviour that he or she is being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and that they should investigate if a child, for example:

  • is frightened of attending Bumbles;
  • becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence;
  • cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares;
  • has possessions which are damaged or “go missing”;
  • asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay bully);
  • is afraid to use the internet or mobile phone;

These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should be investigated.

Procedures and guidelines

At Bumbles Day Care we have a robust Behaviour Management Policy that includes setting a good example to the children of the benefits of showing care, concern and respect for one another in our behaviour, as staff to each other, as well as to the children. Bullying is not tolerated in any form and children are encouraged to report any incidents to a member of staff who will ensure that:-

  • The child is reassured that this behaviour (hitting/kicking/saying nasty things) is not acceptable and no-one should be treated like that.
  • For a pre-school child the parent/carer will be contacted
  • An older child, we will discuss with them as well as informing the parent/carer
  • Details are recorded on a Bumbles record form through the team zone on the website
  • The bullying behaviour or threats of bullying are investigated and the bullying stopped quickly.
  • An attempt will be made to help the bully (bullies) change their behaviour, using the guidelines in our Behaviour Management Policy.
  • The bully (bullies) may be asked to genuinely apologise.
  • If possible, the children 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.
  • In serious cases parents will be informed and will be asked to come in to a meeting to discuss the problem.
  • In serious cases, suspension or even exclusion will be considered.

Prevention

  • writing stories or poems or drawing pictures about bullying
  • reading stories about bullying
  • making up role-plays
  • circle time discussions about bullying and why it matters
  • Taking part in “Anti-Bullying Week” in our wrap around groups.