4.9.2 Countering of Bullying |
SCOPE OF THIS CHAPTER
This procedure applies to children placed in foster care, but the principles apply to the placement of all Looked After Children. Therefore, where Looked After Children are placed with parents, relatives or friends or in placements outside the authority, the social worker must ensure these or other adequate procedures are applied.
RELATED CHAPTERS AND GUIDANCE
See also the Safe from Bullying suite of guidance on the DfE website.
AMENDMENTS
As well as the link to the above website, the chapter was updated in April 2010 with the DCSF definitions of 'bullying' and cyberbullying' in Section 1.
OTHER DOCUMENTS
'Kidscape' provide good value books, videos, posters, booklets, leaflets and training on bullying. They can be contacted at KIDSCAPE, 2 Grosvenor Gardens, London, SW1W ODH. Alternatively, phone 020 7730 3300 or e-mail info@kidscaape.org.uk
Updated July 2008
Contents
- Definition of Bullying
- Placement Information Record/Placement Planning
- Notifications and Management Review
- Recording
1. Definition of Bullying
The DCSF definition of ‘Bullying' is: "behaviour by an individual or group, usually repeated over time, that intentionally hurts another individual or group either physically or emotionally" and of ‘Cyberbullying' is: "The use of Information Communications Technology (ICT), particularly mobile phones and the internet, deliberately to upset someone else".
Further detail of what may constitute bullying is contained in Countering Bullying Guidance.
2. Placement Information Record/Placement Planning
If there is a risk that a child is likely to be bullied or may be the perpetrator of bullying behaviour, the Strategies for managing and reducing the risks must be outlined in his/her Placement Information Record.
In the absence of any such strategy, the following must be applied.
3. Notifications and Management Review
There are different notifications procedures depending on the persistence and seriousness of the bullying:
3.1 Notifications of Minor or Non-Persistent Bullying
Where bullying is not persistent or not serious, it should be notified to the family placements worker and social worker at the first opportunity; they will decide what action to take in the circumstances.
3.2 Notifications and Management Review of Persistent or Serious Bullying
Serious or persistent episodes of bullying are deemed to be Incidents and must be notified to the home's manager/supervising social worker and their Line Managers within 1 working day.
The social worker should decide whether to inform the child's parent(s).
It will also be necessary to decide whether the bullying constitutes Significant Harm; if so, a referral should be considered under the Dudley Safeguarding Children Board Procedures.
If the matter is referred under the Safeguarding Children Board Procedures, the Designated Manager (Section 47 Enquiry) must be notified.
In any case, all incidents of serious or persistent bullying must be subject to a Management Review, as set out in Incident -General Guidance, Section 5.
4. Recording
There are different recording procedures depending on the persistence and seriousness of the bullying
4.1 Recording of Minor or Non-Persistent Bullying
Minor or non-persistent bullying should be recorded by the social worker on the child's Chronology.
In Foster Homes, minor or non-persistent bullying must be recorded on the Foster Carer recording sheet and the Social Worker and Supervising Social Worker notified.
In Children's Homes, minor or non-persistent bullying must be recorded.
4.2 Recording of Persistent or Serious Bullying
Unless otherwise agreed between the social worker and manager/supervising social worker and set out in the child's Placement Information Record, incidents of persistent or serious bullying must always be recorded as Incidents as set out in Incidents - General Guidance.
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