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Working with Parents

To be most effective in dealing with bullying incidents schools need to work in close partnership with parents. Many Hertfordshire schools are addressing this directly:

  • by including sections in their policy advising parents on the role they can play and how they can best support their child in any incident
  • by developing a parents leaflet that can be referenced when they have a concern.

Below are some of the kinds of things that could be included in a parents leaflet.  

Parents Leaflet - Possible Content

The school’s priorities in dealing with incidents – eg
  • Providing a safe, secure and happy environment for all pupils
  • Seeking to resolve incidents and repair relationships wherever possible
  • definition of bullying – not all hurtful behaviour is bullying but hurtful behaviour will be addressed.
The importance of working with parents in resolving incidents
  • You are an important part of…
  • If you have any concerns or worries about your child’s school life please share them with a member of staff
  • If your child shows changes in behaviour or shows signs such as….., sit down with them and try to establish the reasons
  • It is important that parents exercise reasonable confidentiality around incidents involving other children
  • Please do not approach other parents or pupils directly, but refer concerns to class teacher/form teacher/year head/deputy/head etc.
How you can support your child if they are being bullied
  • Listen and help them record details
  • Reinforce the importance of telling an adult as soon as possible at school
  • Help them to tell if they need support to do so
  • Remember that you do not have the whole story
  • Help/encourage them to practice agreed strategies so they can use them confidently under stress
  • Help them to put resolved incidents behind them and move on.
How you can support your child if they are involved in bully behaviour
  • Remember that many children will become involved in bully behaviours at some time.
  • The important thing is to help them to realise why they have done so, to know that their behaviour is not acceptable, to have alternative strategies given similar circumstances occurring again, to help them reconcile and repair relationships
  • Listen and help them record details
  • Remember that you do not have the whole story
  • Support them in taking any action or sanction as a positive learning experience
  • Where a change of behaviour is required, help/encourage them to practice agreed strategies so they can use them confidently under stress
  • Help them to put resolved incidents behind them and move on.
Strategies pupils can use to keep themselves safe (from bullying)
[or have a separate partner leaflet for pupils and parents on this]

An opportunity to give parents alternatives to the be nasty/hit back message:

  • Don’t be intimidated - maintain eye contact and strong, confident body posture
  • Fogging – remember they are trying to hurt you so don’t let them. Think of all the really positive and wonderful things that make you special and unique,
  • Say “No!” strongly and firmly. Or “I don’t like it when you… Stop it!”
  • Tell someone as soon as possible if someone bullies you
  • Special support schemes in the school?

 

Keeping your Child Safe Toolkit

 

Herts BME Advocacy Service Leaflet new

BME leafletThe Herts BME Advocacy Service is hosted by Watford Council for Voluntary Service - an independent charity.

Supporting parents, carers and children who have any concern about any aspect of their education or any situation at a school to which there may be a racial or religious element.

They are funded by Hertfordshire County Council because the service underpins the commitment to openness and equality, and because we believe this service is important to delivering a top quality education throughout Hertfordshire.

Herts BME Advocacy Service operates independently of Hertfordshire County Council.

Contact

Watford CVS
149 The Parade
Watford, Herts
WD17 1RH
Tel: 01923 254400 or
Tel: 07500 780692
Email: hema.devlukia@watfordcvs.net