Anti-Bullying

Anti Bullying at Coombe Hill Junior School

At Coombe Hill we want every child to feel safe, valued and happy in school. We work hard to create an environment where kindness, respect and inclusion are the foundation of all relationships. Bullying is never acceptable and we take a clear, proactive approach to prevent it and respond quickly if concerns arise.

Our ethos

Our inclusive culture means we recognise the importance of strong, trusting relationships. We teach pupils how to understand their feelings, show empathy and resolve disagreements safely. As a Rights Respecting School, pupils learn about their right to be safe and to be treated fairly and how their actions affect the rights of others. This helps build a positive and respectful school community where differences are celebrated and everyone belongs.

What we teach

Through PSHE, assemblies, class discussions and our behaviour regulation approach we teach pupils:

• what bullying is and how it is different from disagreements or friendship issues

• how to be a kind and supportive friend

• how to use their words safely and respectfully

• how to report concerns and who to talk to

• how to be an upstander and support others who may need help

Pupil voice is central to our work. Our Junior Leadership Team and Rights Respecting ambassadors help promote kindness across the school and share ideas from their classes on how to keep everyone safe.

How we respond to concerns

We take all reports of bullying seriously. When concerns are raised we:

• listen carefully to the pupil, reassure them and gather information

• work with all pupils involved to understand what has happened and why

• use our behaviour regulation principles to support reflection and positive change

• involve families so that support is consistent and collaborative

• monitor the situation closely to ensure the pupil feels safe and the behaviour stops

We recognise that behaviour can be a form of communication and we aim to understand the underlying needs that may be influencing a child’s actions. This supports long term change and helps build healthier relationships.

Preventing bullying

We know that prevention is most effective when children feel they belong. Our work as an attachment aware, trauma informed school means we focus on relationships, emotional safety and inclusion. Through OPAL play, restorative conversations and shared expectations, we build a culture where kindness is the norm and pupils look out for one another.

Further support

If a child feels worried about bullying or friendship issues they can speak to any trusted adult in school. Families who have concerns are encouraged to contact the class teacher or a member of the inclusion team.

Our Anti Bullying Policy sets out our processes in full and explains how we support pupils and work with families to resolve concerns.

Together we can ensure that every child at Coombe Hill feels safe, confident and ready to learn.

Advice for Pupils

You can read our child friendly Anti-Bullying Policy below. Please get in touch with a member of staff if your child has said, or you suspect they are being bullied.