Anstruther G.C is fully committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all children and vulnerable adults in its care.

We understand that an individual’s wellbeing can be seriously impacted by bullying behaviour.

Anstruther G.C therefore recognises the information provided by ‘respect me’, Scotland’s Anti-Bullying Service:

‘Bullying is never acceptable; it doesn’t make an individual better or stronger to get through it and it should never be seen as a normal part of growing up’.

Bullying is a behaviour that can make an individual feel frightened, threatened, left out and hurt. Something only has to happen once to make an individual feel worried or scared to go to school or other places they enjoy going.

For the purposes of this policy a child is recognised as someone under the age of 18 years.

This policy applies to all children and vulnerable adults regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, race, religion, socio-economic status or family circumstance.

Anstruther G.C will:

• Respect the rights of children and vulnerable adults as paramount.

• Work together to develop positive relationships amongst children and adults which are mutually respectful, responsible and trusting; and promote their emotional health and wellbeing.

• Seek to prevent, reduce and respond effectively to bullying behaviour, through the implementation of this policy and guidelines.

• Require staff, volunteers and members of the Council to adopt and abide by this policy.

• Train, support and supervise its members of staff, volunteers and members of the Council to adopt best practice to prevent, reduce and respond to bullying.

• Address the needs of children and vulnerable adults who are bullied as well as those who bully within a framework of respect, responsibility, resolution and support.

• Respond to any concerns raised either in the experiences of poor practice/ misconduct or abuse caused by bullying behaviour.

• Highlight bullying based on prejudice and perceived differences, to ensure our practices are effective in dealing with these issues.

• Regularly monitor and evaluate the implementation of this policy and guidelines and include children’s views in this process.

This Policy and guidelines will be regularly reviewed and will include children and vulnerable adult’s participation and feedback on the content and actual experience of implementation as part of the review:

• In accordance with changes in guidance on anti-bullying or following any changes within Anstruther G.C.

• Following any issue or concern raised about bullying within Anstruther G.C.

• In all other circumstances, at least every three years.