As part of Anti-Bullying Week, in our PSHE lessons and in assemblies, we will be discussing all forms of bullying. We will be using materials from the Anti-Bullying Alliance and Show Racism the Red Card.

Discussions we will be having in class, lessons, and assemblies:

What is bullying?

Bullying is when a person repeatedly says or does things to control another person. Bullying can be classified into several forms, including physical, verbal, social, and cyberbullying. Physical bullying involves direct harm, such as hitting or pushing, while verbal bullying includes hurtful words, teasing, or name-calling. Social bullying, often more subtle, involves damaging someone’s reputation or relationships, often through exclusion or spreading rumours. Lastly, cyberbullying has become increasingly prevalent, using technology and social media to intimidate or harass individuals. Each type can have a profound impact on a child’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

Here are some recommendations on how you can help your child navigate these challenges:

1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to share their feelings and experiences with you. Create an environment where they feel safe discussing any issues they face at school or online.
2. Educate on Empathy: Help your child understand the perspectives of others. Discuss the importance of kindness and respect, and the significant impact bullying can have on people’s lives.
3. Be Observant: Keep an eye out for any changes in your child's behaviour. You may notice signs of distress, withdrawal, or shifts in social circles. If you detect something unusual, have a gentle conversation with them.
4. Promote Positive Relationships: Assist your child in building healthy friendships. Encourage them to engage in group activities or clubs that foster positive interactions and teamwork.
5. Know the Resources: Familiarise yourself with resources available in school and the wider community for support. Our school has a clear anti-bullying policy, and we are here to assist if you or your child need guidance.

Remember, addressing bullying is a collective effort. By working together as parents and educators, we can create a more compassionate and connected community for our children. Please feel free to reach out if you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions.

The Protected Characteristics

During our anti-bullying focus, we are also going to teach about the protected characteristics as outlined in the Equality Act 2010 and how they are integrated into our teaching here at school. Protected characteristics include age, disability, race, religion or belief as well as others.  It’s crucial for our children to understand these concepts, as they play a significant role in fostering an inclusive and respectful environment.

As educators, we strive to cultivate a culture where every child feels valued and accepted, regardless of their background. By teaching children about these protected characteristics, we aim to equip them with the knowledge and understanding needed to respect and embrace diversity. This not only helps them develop empathy and kindness but also prepares them for the varied society in which we live and helps us to include and not to exclude.

Show Racism the Red Card

During our anti-bullying work, we will also use resources from ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ as part of our commitment to promoting inclusivity and combating racism within our school community. ‘Show Racism the Red Card’ is a fantastic campaign that uses the power of football and celebrity role models to raise awareness about racism and encourage young people to challenge such behaviour. Our aim is to educate our students about the importance of respect, acceptance, and understanding differences among individuals.

We would like to encourage you to discuss this important topic at home as well. By reinforcing the values of respect and equality in your conversations, you can help us create a more inclusive school environment.

Week beginning Monday 4^th November

• Protected Characteristics Assembly
• Types of Bullying assembly

Week beginning Monday 11^th November

• BBC Live Lesson – Respect
• Show Racism the Red Card Friday
• Wear red to school on Friday 15^th November
• Poster competition

You will receive further details on Show Racism the Red Card Day from Mrs Qureshy in due course. But for now, please note the dates and check if you have anything red to wear!