- Statement of Intent
First Kick Football is committed to providing a caring, friendly, and safe environment where all children can learn and play in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable. If bullying does occur, children should feel confident to report it and know it will be dealt with promptly, consistently, and effectively. This policy aligns with the EYFS 2023 safeguarding requirements, the Equality Act 2010, and Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.
- Definition of Bullying
Bullying is the repeated use of aggression, intimidation, or power with the intention of hurting another person, physically or emotionally. It causes pain and distress to the victim.
Bullying can take many forms, including:
– Physical – pushing, kicking, hitting, punching, spitting, or any use of violence.
– Verbal – name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.
– Emotional/Psychological – excluding, tormenting, threatening gestures, hiding possessions.
– Discriminatory – racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic, ableist, or faith-related taunts or abuse.
– Sexual – unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
– Online/Digital – misuse of phones, messaging, social media, emails, images, or videos.
⚠️ Racial harassment will be logged separately, monitored, and reported in line with our Equalities Policy.
- Policy Objectives
– All staff, children, and parents should understand what bullying is.
– Staff must follow this policy whenever bullying is reported.
– Children and parents must know how to report bullying and be confident they will be supported.
– All reports of bullying will be logged and treated as safeguarding concerns, reviewed by the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
– Bullying will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
- Signs and Symptoms
A child may show signs of being bullied, for example:
– Reluctance or fear of attending club/school.
– Sudden changes in attendance, confidence, or routine.
– Becoming withdrawn, anxious, or lacking in confidence.
– Unexplained injuries or damaged/missing possessions.
– Sleep difficulties, nightmares, frequent illness.
– Extreme behaviours such as running away, self-harm, or bullying others.
These behaviours may indicate other issues, but bullying must always be considered and investigated. Concerns will be recorded and referred to the DSL.
- Preventing Bullying
First Kick Football promotes positive relationships and respect through:
– Clear rules developed with children.
– Encouraging values of respect, fairness, and equality.
– Staff modelling respectful behaviour.
– Promoting group play and teamwork.
– Providing engaging activities that reduce boredom and conflict.
– Ensuring children know they can report bullying without fear.
– Challenging prejudice and discrimination at all times.
– Using evidence-based anti-bullying strategies (e.g., Kidscape resources).
- Responding to Bullying
When bullying is reported or suspected:
– Staff will listen to the child and reassure them they have done the right thing in reporting.
– Incidents will be investigated promptly and fairly, with statements taken from all parties.
– Support will be given to the victim, including regular check-ins and safe spaces if required.
– The child/children displaying bullying behaviour will be supported to change their behaviour through clear boundaries, mediation, and reparation.
– Parents/carers will be informed of incidents and outcomes.
– All incidents will be recorded in the Incident Log and reviewed by the DSL.
– Where behaviour is persistent or serious, consequences may include suspension or exclusion, in line with the Suspensions and Exclusions Policy.
– Where criminal behaviour is suspected, referrals may be made to the police or Local Safeguarding Children Partnership (LSCP).
- Outcomes
– Bullies may be required to make a genuine apology.
– Consequences will be applied in line with the Behaviour Management Policy.
– In serious cases, suspension or exclusion may be considered.
– Reconciliation between children will be encouraged where appropriate.
– All cases will be monitored to prevent recurrence.
- Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if required by changes in legislation or practice.