Anti-Bullying Policy

Overview

Policy Statement

Beyond Barriers Pathways CIC is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where all young people, staff, volunteers and visitors feel valued, supported and protected from bullying, harassment and discrimination.

We recognise that many young people accessing our provision may have experienced previous trauma, social difficulties, anxiety, exclusion, discrimination or bullying. We are therefore committed to promoting a relational, trauma-informed and restorative approach that prioritises emotional wellbeing, safety, dignity and positive relationships.

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will always be taken seriously.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

Prevent bullying and harassment within Beyond Barriers CIC.
Promote a culture of kindness, respect and inclusion.
Ensure all concerns are taken seriously and responded to appropriately.
Support young people to develop positive relationships and emotional regulation skills.
Protect the wellbeing and safety of all members of the provision.

Scope

This policy applies to:

All young people accessing Beyond Barriers CIC
Staff
Volunteers
Contractors
Visitors
Off-site activities, educational visits, placements and online interactions linked to the provision

Definition of Bullying

Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to hurt, intimidate, threaten, humiliate or harm another person, either physically or emotionally, and is often repeated over time.

Bullying can include:

Physical abuse
Verbal abuse
Emotional abuse
Intimidation
Social exclusion
Online/cyber bullying
Discriminatory bullying
Sexual harassment
Threatening behaviour
Damage to belongings
Rumour spreading

Bullying may occur:

Face-to-face
Online
Through social media
During transport
Within community settings
During placements or external activities

Types of Bullying

Bullying may relate to:

Disability or additional needs
Autism or neurodiversity
Race or ethnicity
Religion or beliefs
Gender
Sexual orientation
Appearance
SEMH needs
Family background
Social or economic differences

Beyond Barriers CIC recognises that vulnerable young people may be at increased risk of bullying and social isolation.

Preventative Measures

Beyond Barriers CIC promotes a positive culture through:

Trauma-informed practice
Restorative approaches
Positive relationship building
SEMH support
Small-group and personalised provision
Staff modelling respectful behaviour
Clear expectations and boundaries
Online safety education
Emotional wellbeing support
Individual behaviour and risk assessments where appropriate
Regular communication with families and professionals

Young people are encouraged to:

Speak openly about concerns
Respect differences
Support one another
Report worries safely

Reporting Concerns

Young people, parents/carers, staff and visitors are encouraged to report any concerns regarding bullying immediately.

Concerns may be reported to:

Any member of staff
The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
Directors of Beyond Barriers CIC

All concerns will be:

Taken seriously
Recorded appropriately
Investigated fairly and sensitively
Managed confidentially where possible

Safeguarding procedures will be followed where bullying presents a risk of harm.

Responding to Bullying

Responses will depend on the nature and seriousness of the incident and may include:

Restorative conversations
Emotional support
Mediation
Behaviour support strategies
Parent/carer involvement
Risk assessments
Safeguarding referrals
External agency involvement where appropriate

The focus of Beyond Barriers CIC is to:

Protect the victim
Address harmful behaviour
Support emotional regulation and learning
Promote accountability and positive change

Discriminatory or serious incidents may result in additional action and referral to external agencies.

Cyber Bullying

Cyber bullying is taken seriously and includes:

Abusive messages
Social media harassment
Sharing harmful or inappropriate content
Online intimidation
Fake accounts or impersonation

Young people are supported to understand:

Safe online behaviour
Digital responsibility
Reporting online concerns
Appropriate use of devices and social media

Online safeguarding concerns will be managed in line with safeguarding procedures.

Support for Young People

Young people affected by bullying will be offered:

Emotional support
Safe spaces and trusted adults
SEMH support strategies
Risk assessments where necessary
Support to rebuild confidence and relationships

Staff recognise that bullying can significantly affect:

Mental health
Attendance
Self-esteem
Engagement
Emotional wellbeing

Staff Responsibilities

All staff are responsible for:

Promoting positive relationships
Challenging bullying behaviour
Modelling respectful behaviour
Recording concerns appropriately
Following safeguarding procedures
Supporting vulnerable young people
Maintaining professional boundaries

Staff receive appropriate safeguarding, SEMH and behaviour support training.

Monitoring & Review

Bullying incidents and concerns are monitored to identify patterns, trends or additional support needs.

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where:

Legislation changes
Guidance changes
Significant incidents occur
Operational changes require updates

Related Policies

Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Behaviour & SEMH Policy
Online Safety Policy
Equality & Diversity Policy
Complaints Policy
Staff Code of Conduct

Policy Information

Policy Owner: Beyond Barriers CIC Directors
Approved By: Rebecca Cox & Sarah Harris
Review Frequency: Annually
Date Approved: June 2026
Review Date: June 2027