Anti-Bullying

At Orchard House High School, we believe that every child has the right to feel safe, happy and valued. As a school community dedicated to supporting pupils with Significant Learning Difficulties (SLD), we are especially mindful of how bullying can affect children who may find it harder to express themselves or understand social interactions.

We are proud to be part of a wider Trust that takes a zero-tolerance approach to bullying. Our Anti-Bullying Strategy is rooted in kindness, respect and the belief that all children deserve to be treated with dignity.

  • We are a telling school – this means that if children, staff, or parents see or experience bullying, they are encouraged to speak out.
  • Bullying will always be taken seriously and dealt with quickly.
  • We provide a nurturing environment where differences are celebrated and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do.
  • We work closely with families, staff and professionals to ensure that any bullying is stopped, understood, and not repeated.

Bullying is when someone hurts someone else on purpose, again and again. This can be done with words, actions, or even by leaving someone out. It can happen in person, online or through messages.

Bullying includes:

  • Physical – hitting, pushing, taking things
  • Verbal – name-calling, teasing, using unkind words
  • Emotional – leaving someone out, spreading rumours
  • Cyberbullying – mean messages or posts online
  • Prejudice-based – bullying because of someone’s disability, race, religion, gender, or family

  • At Orchard House High School, we aim to teach pupils that bullying is not just "unkindness"—it is repeated, deliberate behaviour that causes upset. Children learn about bullying in a way that is appropriate to their age and level of understanding.

  • Relationships & Communication are central to our school. We use visual supports, social stories, role play and safe spaces to help children understand emotions, friendship, and boundaries.
  • PSHE and Life Skills lessons explore feelings, respect, difference and kindness.
  • We celebrate Anti-Bullying Week every year with engaging activities and pupil voice projects.
  • All staff receive training on identifying and responding to bullying, including cyberbullying and prejudice-based behaviour.

If bullying does happen:

  • We listen carefully and help the child feel safe again.
  • We involve parents/carers and keep them informed.
  • We support both the person affected by bullying and the child doing the bullying – often children who bully need help to change their behaviour.
  • We use restorative approaches when appropriate, helping children understand the impact of their actions.

Anyone can report bullying – a child, a parent, a member of staff.

We promise:

  • To take every concern seriously
  • To record and respond to all incidents
  • To follow up and make sure things get better

You can report bullying by:

  • Speaking to a trusted adult in school
  • Calling the school office
  • Using our home-school communication system
  • Talking to our Safeguarding Team

Childline is also available 24/7: 0800 1111

We work in partnership with:

  • Families
  • The Local Governing Body
  • The Prospere Learning Trust
  • Local authorities and safeguarding teams

Together, we are building a safe, inclusive school where bullying has no place.

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