At Upton-by-Chester High School we take any reporting of alleged bullying very seriously. As a school community we do not tolerate any form of bullying and we strive to make our school a ‘bully-free’ zone. Each and every member of the school community has a part to play in this by either reporting or helping to resolve any alleged bullying. All learners are expected to treat fellow learners with respect and consideration by following the school’s Code of Conduct and Anti-Bullying guidance. We are aiming to ensure that, if a learner is experiencing bullying or has witnessed bullying, they are able to voice their concerns without fear or prejudice.
Upton-by-Chester High School uses The Sharp System, an online confidential and anonymous reporting system. SHARP stands for: School Help Advice Reporting Page system.

• The Sharp System

Any report that is made is checked by the Designated Safeguarding Lead school and will be dealt with by them. Upton-by-Chester High School is confident that this system, along with other more traditional methods of reporting will be of extra benefit to our learners.

What is bullying?

Bullying is hurtful behaviour, usually repeated over a long period of time. It can happen in and outside of school, such as on the way to school or in clubs and groups.

Bullying can be:

• Emotional such as being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting
• Physical such as pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence
• Racist which includes racial taunts, graffiti, gestures
• Sexual: Unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments
• HBT: Schools have a duty to promote the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in their care, including: lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender pupils and those experiencing homophobic, biphobic or transphobic (HBT) bullying (Education and Inspections Act 2006.) Schools are required to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender reassignment. This includes tackling HBT bullying. Schools are also required to advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. This means that schools should go beyond tackling HBT bullying and take proactive steps to promote respect and understanding of LGBT people and issues (Equality Act 2010)
• Verbal: Name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing
• Cyber: All areas of the internet ,such as email & internet chat room misuse, Mobile threats by text messaging & calls. Misuse of associated technology, i.e. camera & video facilities

What can you do if you think you are being bullied?

Speak to:

• A trusted teacher or member of staff
• Your Form Tutor
• Your learner Pastoral Manager
• Your Head of Year
• Or logon and use The Sharp System to confidentially report your worries.

What will happen once you speak to someone in school?

You will be listened to. The school will work together to stop this happening again.

For further sources of advice:

• Click on the Sharp System on the school website: www.upton-by-chester.thesharpsystem.com/
• www.childline.org.uk/explore/bullying/pages/bullying.aspx
• www.bullying.co.uk/
• www.nspcc.org.uk/
• Young Minds: Bullying - spot it, stop it and give your child support