Beaufort is a “telling” school and bullying is not tolerated.

We aim to prevent bullying and to create an environment where our pupils feel safe, and are free to seek help if they need it.

In order to be aware of potential problems our guidance counsellor visits feeder schools in the area prior to the arrival of our new first year intake. Staff are reminded in September to be vigilant for signs of bullying. The subject is discussed with the pupils in their RE and SPHE programmes.

Since 2007 Beaufort has taken part in the ‘Cool School’ Pilot Project.  As part of this project an annual ‘Friendship week’ is held. Five lessons are delivered to each class group during this designated week and outside speakers address the pupils on the subject.

Every effort is made to persuade pupils of their responsibility for the safety and well-being of their fellow pupils. When the problem arises it is dealt with by the form teacher, guidance counsellor or year head, following the guidelines set out by the Department of Education and Science.

• All reports of bullying, no matter how trivial, are noted, investigated and dealt with by teachers.
• Serious cases of bullying behaviour by pupils are referred immediately to the Principal or Deputy Principal.
• Parents or guardians of victims and bullies are informed by the Principal or Deputy Principal of incidents, so that they are given the opportunity of discussing the matter.
• Parents/guardians are informed of the appropriate person to whom they can make their enquiries regarding incidents of bullying behaviour which they might suspect or that have come to their attention through their children or other parents/guardians.
• It is made clear to all pupils that, when they report incidents of bullying, they are not telling tales, but are behaving responsibly.
• Individual teachers, in consultation with the appropriate staff member, record and take appropriate measures regarding reports of bullying behaviour in accordance with the School’s policy and Code of Behaviour and Discipline.
• Non-teaching staff, such as secretaries, caretakers and cleaners are encouraged to report any incidents of bullying behaviour witnessed by them, or mentioned to them, to the appropriate teaching member of staff.
• In the case of a complaint regarding a staff member, this should normally in the first instance be raised with the staff member in question and, if necessary, with the Principal.
• Where cases relating to either a pupil or a teacher remain unresolved at School level, the matter may be referred to the School’s Board of Management.

(Guidelines on Countering Bullying Behaviour in Primary and Post-Primary Schools, September 1993).

Anti Bullying Policy Review

A review of our anti-bullying policy was initiated in May 2007. A co-ordinator from the “cool school” team carried out a survey of bullying in a sample group.

The Second Year pupils were chosen to complete a questionnaire, as the problem often manifests itself at this stage. A full day Staff seminar was organised for August 2007, followed by further training in areas relating to the subject.