Northern Ballet is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our participants so they can enjoy observing, dancing and learning in a relaxed and secure atmosphere free from oppression, fear and abuse. We do not tolerate bullying in any form and in order to safeguard participants and staff against incidents of bullying Northern Ballet will:
- ensure concerns are heard and managed
- ensure all staff deal with incidents of bullying, including cyber-bullying, in an effective, prompt and appropriate manner
- support all staff through training and CPD in developing the skills necessary to deal with incidents of bullying
- ensure effective communication with all key parties: adults at risk/staff/carers when identifying and dealing with bullying and ensure effective communication
- ensure all incidents of bullying are accurately recorded
- promote the emotional health and wellbeing of all participants.
What Is Bullying?
“Bullying behaviour abuses an imbalance of power to repeatedly and intentionally cause emotional or physical harm to another person or group of people. Isolated instances of hurtful behaviour, teasing or arguments between individuals would not be seen as bullying”
Torfaen County Borough definition, 2008
Bullying generally takes one of four forms:
- physical pushing, kicking, hitting, punching, slapping or any form of violence
- verbal name-calling, teasing, threats, sarcasm
- cyber-bullying - all areas of internet misuse, such as nasty and/or threatening emails, misuse of blogs, gaming websites, social media platforms, internet chat rooms and instant messaging. Mobile threats by text messaging & calls. Misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera and video facilities
- indirectly being unfriendly, spreading rumours, excluding, tormenting (e.g. hiding bags or books)
Although not an exhaustive list, common examples of bullying include:
- racial bullying
- homophobic bullying
- bullying based on disability, ability, gender, appearance or circumstance
Consequences of Bullying
Bullying is an anti-social behaviour and affects everyone involved. All participants, staff and guardians are encouraged to inform Northern Ballet should they feel victim of or witness to bullying behaviour. On disclosure of any information the Company will act promptly and efficiently to ensure effective action will be taken.
The Company will always support victims of bullying. Where possible and appropriate we will also support bullies to change their ways. However, the safety of all participants remains of paramount importance.
It is likely that most incidents of bullying can and will be dealt with using the Company’s Codes of Conduct for both staff and participants. Guardians retain the right to involve the police should they wish to do so; whilst bullying is not in itself a specific criminal offence in the UK, some types of harassing or threatening behaviour are.
The Children Act 2004 states that bullying should be treated as a child protection concern when there is ‘reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering, or is likely to suffer, significant harm.’ In such an instance Northern Ballet will, if appropriate, involve Leeds Children’s Safeguarding Partnership.
The Equalities Act 2010 also gives specific protection to people who are victimised because of specific characteristics – it covers age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. The Company is committed to protecting all members from harassment or bullying in line with this legislation.
Dealing With Incidents
The following steps may be taken by the Company when dealing with incidents:
- If bullying is suspected or reported, the incident will be recorded immediately by the member of staff who has been approached
- A clear and precise account of the incident will be given to a Designated Safeguarding Lead
- A Designated Safeguarding Lead and/or appropriate Programme Manager will interview all concerned parties and will record the incident
- Punitive measures, in line with the Company’s Code of Conduct and disciplinary procedures will be used as appropriate
- If necessary and appropriate, police will be consulted
Participant support
Participants who have been bullied will be supported by:
- offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with a member of the staff
- reassurance
- offering continuous support
- restoring self-esteem and confidence
Participants who have bullied will be supported by:
- discussing what happened
- discovering why the participant became involved
- establishing the wrongdoing and the need to change
- informing guardians to help change the attitude and behaviour of the child
Signs and Symptoms
Many children do not speak out when being bullied and may indicate by signs or behaviour that they are being bullied. Adults should be aware of these possible signs and should investigate if a child:
- shows a sudden and uncharacteristic fear of attending classes
- noticeable changes to their usual routine
- begins to truant
- becomes withdrawn anxious, or lacking in confidence
- starts stammering
- attempts or threatens suicide or runs away
- uses excuses to miss classes (such as a headache, stomach ache etc)
- begins to suffer either in classes or academically
- comes home with damaged belongings or has belongings which ‘go missing’
- asks for money or starts stealing money (to pay the bully)
- has unexplained cuts or bruises or shows signs of being in a fight
- becomes aggressive, disruptive or unreasonable
- is bullying other children or siblings
- changes their eating habits (stops eating or over eats)
- goes to bed earlier than usual
- is unable to sleep
- cries themselves to sleep at night or has nightmares
- appears frightened to say what’s wrong
- is afraid or reluctant to use the internet or mobile phone
- is nervous and jumpy when a text message or email is received
- gives unlikely excuses for any of the above
These signs and behaviours could indicate other problems, but bullying should be considered a possibility and should always be investigated.