Unit 1: Preventing prejudice-based bullying: a whole-school approach

Homophobic, biphobic and transphobic bullying; bullying arising from race, religion or colour; bullying based on a medical condition or appearance; bullying due to SEN or disabilities are all forms of prejudice-based bullying. Bullying of any kind causes misery for pupils and can severely impact their school experience. By law, all state schools must have a policy in place to prevent all forms of bullying among pupils.

The fundamental purposes of this unit are to develop a shared understanding of the issue and ensure a school-wide approach to addressing it. The unit supports the establishment of a positive ethos towards bullying within the school, promoting positive relationships and encouraging tolerance and diversity. It also helps the school become more proactive in preventing bullying and being honest and open in accepting that it happens and dealing with it accordingly.

The unit also enables the leadership team to review current good practice in dealing with prejudice-based bullying and establish an action plan for improvement based on its priorities for development. It is advisable to ensure that the school policy and procedures are current to clarify the message your school wishes to deliver.

The school’s anti-bullying policy is central to creating a safe learning environment and identifying and preventing bullying. Using your school's anti-bullying policy would be preferable, although a sample anti-bullying policy is available.

• Know what is meant by prejudice-based bullying.
• Understand the importance of consistency of approach across the school.
• Consider the ethos in school and whether the behaviour/bullying policy is clear and explicit enough so that everyone knows what to do.
• Consider the extent to which the curriculum covers looking at difference and diversity.
• Ensure that there is training for all staff and as part of induction for new staff.
• Ensure that you keep logs and review policy and practice regularly in response to them.