Heston In The Community 

Policy

1. Policy Statement

Heston in the Community is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all children and young people aged 8–17, as well as staff and volunteers. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
This policy outlines how Heston in the Community works to prevent bullying and how incidents are responded to promptly and effectively.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Children and young people accessing our services
• Staff and volunteers
• Any activity delivered on behalf of Heston in the Community, including online or off-site activities

3. Definition of Bullying

Bullying is behaviour that is:

• Repeated
• Intentional
• Intended to hurt, intimidate, or upset another person

Bullying may include:

• Verbal abuse (name-calling, teasing, threats)
• Physical abuse (hitting, pushing, damaging belongings)
• Emotional or psychological abuse (exclusion, spreading rumours)
• Cyberbullying (online messages, social media, text messages)
• Bullying related to race, religion, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics

4. Prevention of Bullying

Heston in the Community takes proactive steps to prevent bullying by:

• Promoting positive behaviour, respect, and inclusion
• Setting clear expectations for behaviour through rules and codes of conduct
• Providing safe spaces where young people feel listened to
• Training staff and volunteers to recognise and respond to bullying

5. Responding to Bullying

All reports of bullying are taken seriously.
Staff and volunteers will:

• Listen carefully and reassure the individual
• Record and report concerns in line with organisational procedures
• Take appropriate action to stop the bullying behaviour
• Provide support to those affected
• Involve parents/carers and external agencies where appropriate

Safeguarding procedures will be followed if a concern indicates a safeguarding risk.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Staff and Volunteers must:

• Promote positive behaviour and challenge bullying appropriately
• Report bullying concerns promptly

Managers must:

• Ensure concerns are addressed and recorded
• Provide support to those involved

Children and Young People are encouraged to:

• Treat others with respect
• Speak to a trusted adult if they experience or witness bullying

7. Online Safety and Cyberbullying

Bullying that occurs online, including during virtual activities or through social media connected to Heston in the Community, will be addressed in line with this policy and online safety guidance.

8. Monitoring and Review

Incidents of bullying are monitored to identify patterns and inform prevention work.
This policy is reviewed regularly and updated in line with best practice and funding requirements.

9. Confidentiality

Information relating to bullying incidents will only be shared with those who need to know in order to safeguard children and manage the situation appropriately. Records will be stored securely in accordance with the organisation’s Privacy Policy and Data Protection procedures.

10. Support for Those Involved

Heston in the Community recognises that both the person experiencing bullying and the person displaying bullying behaviour may require support.
Support may include:
One-to-one discussions with a trusted member of staff
Restorative conversations where appropriate
Behaviour support plans
Referral to external support services where necessary
Ongoing monitoring to ensure bullying has stopped

11. Recording and Reporting

All bullying incidents will be:
Recorded using the organisation’s incident reporting procedures.
Reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) where appropriate.
Monitored to identify any recurring concerns or patterns.
Reviewed to ensure suitable actions have been taken.

12. Equality and Inclusion

Heston in the Community is committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.
Bullying motivated by discrimination, including race, religion, disability, sex, gender reassignment or sexual orientation, will be treated particularly seriously and may also be dealt with under safeguarding procedures.