Anti-Bullying

at Roots and Shoots Learning

Introduction

Roots and Shoots Learning is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for all Team Members, Children and young people (CYP), and stakeholders. This policy aims to prevent bullying in all its forms—including online bullying—and to respond promptly and effectively if it occurs.

This policy applies to all Team Members, inclusive of volunteers, contractors, visitors, and anyone acting on behalf of Roots and Shoots Learning.

It covers behaviour that takes place:

• On our premises
• During off-site activities and events
• Online, including social media, email, messaging apps, and other digital platforms

Definitions

• Bullying: repeated, intentional behaviour that causes hurt, humiliation, or distress to another person.
• Cyberbullying: bullying carried out via electronic means such as texts, social media posts, emails, video calls, or online games.
• Victim: the person targeted by bullying behaviour.
• Perpetrator: the person engaging in bullying behaviour.
• Bystander: witnesses to bullying who can play a role in prevention and reporting.

Roles and Responsibilities

Director & Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Louise Sullivan:

• Provides overall oversight of policy implementation and ensures investigations are fair and timely.
• Liaises with external agencies if needed and reports outcomes to the Senior Leadership Team.

Site Leads:

• Act as the first point of contact for bullying concerns.
• Coordinates training, awareness campaigns, and quarterly reviews of bullying incidents.

All Team Members:

• Foster a culture of respect and inclusivity.
• Remain vigilant for signs of bullying among peers and report concerns immediately.
• Support victims and cooperate with investigations.

Recognising, Preventing, Reporting & Investigating

Team Members should be alert to signs such as:

• Unexplained changes in mood, withdrawal, or anxiety
• Avoidance of certain people or places
• Reluctance to work online or attend sessions
• Sudden drop in performance or participation
• Physical symptoms (headaches, sleep disturbances)
• Evidence of harassing messages, screenshots, or posts

Prevention Strategies

• Promote positive relationships through workshops, team-building activities, and peer mentoring.
• Display anti-bullying posters and digital reminders in common areas and online portals.
• Establish clear codes of conduct that outline acceptable behaviour.
• Encourage open dialogue—regular check-ins between Team Members and line managers.
• Integrate online safety and digital citizenship into training programmes.

Reporting Procedures

1.         A victim or bystander raises a concern verbally or in writing to the Site Lead or DSL.

2.         Reports can be made anonymously via the online form or in person.

3.         The recipient logs the report confidentially within 24 hours.

4.         The site lead and/or DSL acknowledges receipt within 2 working days and outlines the next steps.

Investigation Process

• Conduct an initial fact-finding meeting with all parties within 5 working days.
• Gather evidence: messages, witness statements, digital records.
• Maintain confidentiality, sharing information only on a need-to-know basis.
• Decide on informal resolution (mediation, restorative justice) or formal disciplinary action.
• Communicate outcomes to the victim and perpetrator, offering appeals processes.

Consequences

Depending on severity and recurrence, consequences may include:

• Verbal or written warnings
• Requirement to attend training or mediation sessions
• Suspension or removal from activities
• Formal disciplinary procedures up to dismissal or contract termination

Support & Training

Victims

• Access to counselling and peer-support groups.
• Temporary adjustments to work/learning arrangements if needed.

Perpetrators

• Coaching sessions to address behaviour and rebuild relationships.
• Clear improvement plans with review dates.

Bystanders

• Guidance on positive intervention and reporting.
• Recognition for contributing to a supportive culture.

Training and Awareness

• Mandatory induction on anti-bullying for all Team Members.
• Annual refresher courses covering: Recognising bullying and cyberbullying; Reporting mechanisms; Bystander intervention strategies; Quarterly “Anti-Bullying Awareness Week” with specific activities.

Monitoring & Review

• Site Lead compiles quarterly reports on incidents and outcomes.
• Senior Leadership Team reviews data trends and makes recommendations.
• Policy reviewed annually or sooner if incidents or legislation dictate.