If You Have Concerns

If you're worried about bullying involving your child, please speak to your child's class teacher or contact Emily Shuker (our Designated Safeguarding Lead) through the school office. We encourage everyone in our school community to speak up about bullying incidents, which will be dealt with promptly and effectively. We take all concerns seriously and will work with you to address any issues.

Understanding Bullying

Help your child understand the difference between falling out with friends, other children being unkind, and bullying.

Bullying is different because it involves:

• Repeated behaviour – happens over time, not just once or twice
• Intent to cause harm – deliberate actions meant to hurt or upset
• Power imbalance – one child has more control or influence than another

Signs to Watch For

Look out for changes in your child, such as:

• Reluctance to go to school or becoming withdrawn
• Unexplained injuries or damaged belongings
• Sleep problems, anxiety or mood changes
• Fear of using phones or the internet

These signs could indicate other issues, but it's always worth considering bullying as a possible cause and talking to us about your concerns.

Our Anti-Bullying Focus

At Sefton Park, we address anti-bullying regularly through:

• PSHE lessons, including our Say No to Bullying topic
• Assemblies and circle time discussions
• National Anti-Bullying Week activities

As a parent or carer, you play a crucial role in supporting your child with any bullying concerns and working alongside us to prevent and address these issues.

How We Handle Bullying at School

When bullying is reported:

• We respond immediately with a thorough investigation
• We support the child being bullied and reassure them it's not their fault
• We work with children using bullying behaviours to help them understand and change their actions
• We keep parents informed throughout and follow up within 24 hours

How You Can Help

Prevention:

• Have open and honest conversations with your child about what bullying is and what it makes people feel like.
• Explain what they can do if it happens to them, such as reporting it to a trusted adult.
• Encourage them to open up to you – these conversations may help your child work out minor friendship conflicts on their own.
• Help them build confidence through friendships and activities.

If bullying happens:

• Contact us immediately – speak to your child's class teacher or the school office.
• Keep records of incidents.
• Work with us to resolve the situation.
• Reassure your child that telling was the right thing to do.

Additional Resources

Anti-Bullying Alliance Parent Tool: The Anti-Bullying Alliance offers a free, interactive tool with guidance on understanding bullying, recognising signs, and supporting your child. Access the Anti-Bullying Alliance Parent Tool.

Our school policy: Find details of our Anti-Bullying Policy (PDF)

External Support

Helplines

• Family Lives Helpline: 0808 800 2222
• Kidscape Bullying Advice Line: 0300 102 4481
• NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000

Specialist Organisations

• Kidscape offers workshops for children needing bullying support, plus guidance for parents and carers
• Contact.org.uk supports families with disabled children and offers bullying-related advice
• YoungMinds provides guidance for parents supporting their child's mental health
• Childnet and Internet Matters offer resources for online safety

We're Always Here to Help

Remember, we're always here to help. Please contact us if you have any concerns.