There is no legal definition of bullying, but it is usually defined as repeated behaviour which is intended to hurt someone either emotionally or physically. Bullying can happen anywhere: at school, travelling to and from school, in sporting teams, in friendships or family groups or in the workplace.

Bullying can take many forms including:

• physical assault
• social bullying
• threatening behaviour
• name calling
• cyberbullying

Our curriculum at St Andrew's Academys ensures that our children understand that there are different kinds of bullying and what to do if they feel that they are being bullied.

When a child or parent reports bullying to the school, we look at the reported incident individually.

In many cases, what is reported is often a simple fall out between friends which has been misinterpreted. Children are supported through ‘conflict resolution’ by staff, and helped to understand the difference between ‘falling out’ and bullying’.

On other occasions, the perpetrator may not be aware that their behaviour is actually bullying. They are perhaps modelling the behaviour of adults or other children and young people, not understanding that it is wrong because they have never been taught otherwise. In these circumstances, the intent to bully may not be present, but the impact and effect on the person being bullied will be no less severe because of this. It is explained to the child bullying that their behaviour is unacceptable and why.  Support is also given to the bullied child to ensure they understand what has happened and how they will be protected from further incidents.

Bullying can affect children in different ways and supporting them to overcome negative feelings is always our primary concern. If they are unable to respond effectively and regain their sense of self and control in the situation, adults will support to help restore it.

If you suspect that your child is being bullied, do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of staff.  We will always do whatever we can to make a child's situation better. Along with our WISE Academies Family, we have developed a range of policies and procedures that enable us to take swift action to investigate allegations of bullying and put support in place for all concerned to eradicate the undesirable behaviour and offer support.  Policies available include:

• Anti-bullying policy
• Anti-cyberbullying policy
• Child Protection and Safeguarding Children policy
• Behaviour Policy

Bullying is neither accepted nor tolerated at St Andrew's Academy.  Working together with children and families, we can make things better for everyone.