At St James School our aim is to prevent bullying through education, by prompt and sustained response to reports of bullying, and by developing the confidence of students. We aim to have a culture of courage, compassion and citizenship and respect where difference is valued. The School aims to foster an atmosphere of friendship, mutual trust, respect and consideration for each person within the community.

To establish an ethos where students set a good example to others. To encourage all members of our school community to recognise bullying, acknowledge its unacceptability and report it. We have a system of support for students who have been bullied and a system of clear, fair and consistent responses to incidences of bullying ensuring that everyone is in a supportive, caring and safe environment. Bullying is unacceptable and will not be tolerated in our community.

Bullying is defined as repeated behaviour which is intended to hurt someone either emotionally or physically and is often aimed at certain people because of their race, religion, gender or sexual orientation or any other aspect such as appearance, disability or SEN need. It might be motivated by actual differences between children, or perceived differences.

Bullying will not be accepted or condoned. All forms of bullying will be addressed.

Bullying can include but not limited to:

• Emotional harm;
• Physical harm;
• Social bullying;
• Social media;
• Filming students/staff without consent;
• Posting inappropriate content/filmed incidents online/sharing;
• Threatening behaviour;
• Name calling;
• Sexting;
• Cyber bullying; and
• Sexual exploitation.

Bullying can impact on a students’ attendance and attainment at school, marginalises those groups who may be particular targets for bullies and can have a life-long negative impact on some young people’s lives. We continue to promote a culture of high expectations at St James and work with our community to ensure that our students have a sense of pride and feel happy and safe to be a part of St James.

All bullying incidents will be treated and addressed individually, and we will apply the full range of sanctions depending on the severity, frequency and seriousness of the incidents(s).

In exceptional circumstances and where other attempts to resolve an issue have not been successful the school may use a behaviour contract between students to establish a clear and equitable arrangement for communication and behaviour. The contract will identify clear sanctions for failing to meet the stated requirements that could include, but not limited to: Time Out, Reset, suspension and for repeated breaches, permanent exclusion.

St James Anti-Bullying Process:

After more than one incident of unkind behaviour or intimidation, students are placed on a watch list. If the behaviour occurs again, they begin the anti-bullying process. Any new incidents result movement to the next stage. If an incident is particularly severe, students can be moved up two stages for one incident.

• STAGE ONE: Anti-bullying letter one and HOY meeting with parents
• STAGE TWO: Anti-bullying letter two, SLT meeting with parents, bullying intervention and behaviour contract. Notification of bullying to Devon County via BPRI form.
• STAGE THREE: Anti-bullying letter three, Headteacher meeting with parents and final written warning or move to a different school or provision.