Approved by: Board of Governors
Date of Approval: 01/09/2025
Next Review Date: 01/09/2026
Responsible: Academic Director/ Head of Early Years & Junior School/ Head of Senior School/ DSL
English International School Baghdad (EISB)

Anti-Bullying Policy

1. Purpose

EISB is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students. This policy outlines the school's approach to preventing, identifying, and addressing bullying in line with our values. The school aims to ensure that every student can learn without fear of intimidation or harassment.

2. Scope

This policy applies to all students, staff, and visitors on EISB premises, as well as during any off-site activities or school-organised events.

3. Policy Statement

  • Bullying in any form is unacceptable at EISB.
  • Every member of the school community has the right to feel safe, respected, and valued.
  • The school takes a proactive approach to prevent bullying and promote positive behavior and relationships.
  • Allegations of bullying will be investigated thoroughly and handled fairly and confidentially.

4. Definitions

Bullying is defined as repeated, intentional behavior that causes hurt, fear, or distress to another person. It can be:

Physical:
hitting, kicking, or damaging property.
Verbal:
name-calling, teasing, or threats.
Social/Relational:
exclusion, spreading rumors, or damaging friendships.
Cyberbullying:
bullying via digital devices, social media, messaging apps, or online platforms.
Discriminatory:
based on race, religion, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics.

5. Roles and Responsibilities

5.1 Board of Governors

  • Approve the Anti-Bullying Policy and monitor its implementation.

5.2 Academic Director/ Head of Early Years & Junior School/ Head of Senior School

  • Ensure all staff are trained in recognising and responding to bullying.
  • Promote a culture of respect and inclusion throughout the school.
  • Receive and investigate bullying reports
  • Provide support to victims and guidance to perpetrators.
  • Maintain confidential records of incidents.

5.3 Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

  • Receive and investigate bullying reports that pose a safeguarding concern.
  • Provide support to victims and guidance to perpetrators.
  • Maintain confidential records of incidents.

5.4 Staff

  • Monitor student behavior and intervene promptly when bullying occurs.
  • Promote positive behavior and respectful relationships in the classroom.
  • Report any incidents of bullying using the bullying concern form.

5.5 Students

  • Treat others with respect and report bullying if witnessed.
  • Participate in creating a positive and inclusive school culture.

5.6 Parents/Guardians

  • Support the school in addressing bullying incidents.
  • Encourage children to report bullying and discuss concerns openly.

6. Preventative Measures

  • Promote awareness through assemblies, workshops, and curriculum activities.
  • Encourage open communication and a culture where students feel safe to report bullying.
  • Display anti-bullying posters and provide accessible guidance on how to report concerns.
  • Implement peer support programmes and mentoring where appropriate.

7. Reporting and Responding to Bullying

1
Reporting: Students, staff, or parents can report bullying to any member of staff and staff will fill out the bullying concern form.
2
Investigation: All reports on the bullying form are taken seriously. The SLT/DSL investigates promptly, speaking with all parties involved.
3
Action: Actions may include:
  • Restorative conversations and mediation
  • Counseling or mentoring
  • Internal or external disciplinary measures
  • In serious cases, fixed-term or permanent exclusion (in line with the Exclusion Policy)
4
Support: Victims of bullying are provided with pastoral support and strategies to feel safe. Perpetrators receive guidance to modify their behavior.
5
Follow-Up: Incidents are monitored to ensure bullying does not continue.

8. Cyberbullying

  • All forms of online harassment are treated seriously.
  • Students are educated on safe internet use and digital citizenship.
  • Incidents may involve IT staff and result in restricted access to devices or platforms.

9. Confidentiality

  • All reports are treated confidentially.
  • Information is shared on a need-to-know basis to ensure safety and effective intervention.
Timothy Shanahan
Academic Director
THE ENGLISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL BAGHDAD