Minerva Learning Trust

Students

Shout it Out

Shout It Out! is the name for Ecclesfield’s Anti-Bullying campaign.

This page provides information on what bullying is and how to seek help at school if you or someone else is being bullied within our school community. You don’t have to provide your name if you are reporting bullying.  

Bullying is never okay.

What is bullying?

“Bullying is the repetitive, intentional hurting of one person or group by another person or group, where the relationship involves an imbalance of power. It can be verbal, physical or psychological. It can happen face to face or online.”

There are four key elements to this definition:

  • Hurtful
  • Repetition
  • Power imbalance
  • Intentional

In this short video you will hear about what we mean by a 'power imbalance': 

Bullying behaviours can be:

Relational Conflict 

Not all conflict is bullying: Relational conflict usually involves individuals and groups who are relatively similar in power and status. It is generally behaviour which happens occasionally, and offence might be accidental. There is also often a wish to make things right, to reflect on what went wrong and to try work out a way forward.

Not all conflict leads to bullying, but some does. It is important to bear in mind that unresolved bad feelings, or relationship problems left unaddressed, can be the start of a pattern of behaviour in which the intention is to cause harm or distress, and can create an imbalance of power which makes an individual or group more vulnerable.


How can I report bullying?


There are a number of ways to report bullying at Ecclesfield School:

1. Speak to a trusted adult.

2. Scan the Shout It Out / Never Okay QR code in your planner and complete the Microsoft Form (you will need to log in with your school details).

3. Collect and complete a paper form from Student Services and hand it in to your Form Tutor, Student Services, Pastoral Staff, Safeguarding Staff or a trusted adult at school).

4. Click the link below to complete the Microsoft Form (you will need to log in with your school details).


What happens when bullying is reported?


When bullying is reported through one of the methods above, the school responds in the following ways:

1. The information on the form is passed to the relevant Pastoral Team who consider how best to investigate reported bullying. They will check that the incident is bullying and not ‘relational conflict’.

2. Statements are taken from those who have seen or been involved in what has been happening. This will be done sensitively and carefully. The student(s) accused of bullying will be spoken with to give their account.

3. At this stage, one of the following will happen:

a. Students may be brought together to address the issue. Parent/carer(s) will be informed

OR

b. The student accused of bullying will be spoken to and sanctioned if required. Parent/carer(s) will be informed.

4. The student accused(s) of bullying will be warned that the next offence will result in serious sanctions.

5. Bullied student(s) are informed about actions taken and are asked to report to relevant staff if there is a repeat occurrence.

6. The incident is recorded in SIMS as C4 Bullying and details/actions documented.

7. In the event of a second occurrence of sustained, racist or homophobic bullying, serious consequences will be issued. The School will impose the highest level of response and there may be possible police intervention. Those who have bullied will be required to attend anti-bullying workshops to educate their thinking to prevent future re-offending.

Click the links for further information and advice