Shield Anti Bullying Flag

Shield Anti Bullying Flag

2019/2020 Merlin College were working on achieving the Shield Anti Bullying Flag. Due to Covid 19 our plans were cut short. In the school year 2020/2021 achieving the Shield Anti Bullying Flag will be an action plan.

To achieve the blue flag the following 10 statements must be completed:

1. We acknowledge that bullying is an issue for all schools and the wider community of which schools are a part.
2. Our school has an effective Anti-Bullying Policy in place which is open for all to see and passed on to all concerned.
3. Our policy is fully implemented and are recorded, analysed and followed through consistently.
4. Our whole community approach to bullying is reflected in our policy which is a culmination of ideas and thoughts from the whole school community.
5. Our school is inclusive and our activities acknowledge diversity and individual difference among students, parents and teachers.
6. Our evidence based intervention strategies are actively implemented on an on-going basis and address the multiple aspects of need that exist in every bullying situation.
7. Our school is open to the uptake of new ideas, learning new skills and a change of behaviour in order to combat bullying.
8. Our school actively tackles bullying behaviour through awareness raising, tolerance and empathy building as well as improving general levels of self- esteem.
9. Our internal culture promotes openness and transparency and constructive relationships are in place between teachers, parents and students whereby feelings and concerns are acknowledged, listened to and supported.
10. Our students are able to report bullying concerns, they feel listened to and we help build confidence.

We have a very active Anti Bullying Committee. Each year group has link teachers. If an issue arises the link teacher tries to resolve the issue through restorative practices and with the intent of repairing relationships. Intervention happens early and hence issues do not escalate. We now have an AP2 Anti- Bullying Coordinator. Please see our Anti Bullying Policy in the policy section.