At James Bateman Middle School, we want every student to feel safe, valued and able to be themselves. 

Creating a kind and respectful school is something we all have a part to play in. That is why we don't just respond to bullying when it happens – we work with our students to prevent problems; encourage people to speak up and make sure everyone knows where to go if something doesn't feel right. 

We regularly talk to students about bullying, friendships, respectful behaviour and staying safe online through assemblies, lessons and activities across school. 

Meet our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors 

Our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors (ABAs) are an important part of our school community. 

They are students who help us promote kindness, inclusion and respect across James Bateman. Most importantly, they provide another friendly face for students who might be worried about something and aren't quite sure who to speak to. 

Sometimes talking to another student can feel like an easier first step. 

Our ABAs can listen to a concern and log it through our online reporting system. Once submitted, the concern is passed to staff, who can look into what has happened and make sure the right support and follow-up are put in place. 

Our ABAs don't investigate bullying themselves or decide what action should be taken – that's the responsibility of staff. Their role is to listen, support and help students speak up. 

More than reporting concerns 

Being an ABA isn't just about responding when something has gone wrong. 

Our Ambassadors are actively involved in making James Bateman an even better place to be.  

They take part in assemblies, awareness activities and anti-bullying campaigns, helping other students understand what bullying looks like, how our actions can affect others and what to do if they are worried about themselves or somebody else. 

They also help us to: 

• promote kindness, respect and inclusion throughout school; 

• make sure students know the different ways they can ask for help; 

• encourage students to speak up rather than keep worries to themselves; 

• raise awareness of bullying and online behaviour; 

• spot smaller concerns and encourage students to seek help before problems become more serious and 

• make sure the student voice is part of how we continue to improve our school. 

We are proud that our students play such an active role in creating the culture we want at James Bateman. 

What happens when something is reported? 

We listen. We record. We act. 

Students can speak to an ABA, Teacher, Form Tutor, Progress Leader or any trusted member of staff. They can also report a concern using the icon on the school desktop. 

Our ABAs can use our online system to record concerns that students bring to them. Staff also record relevant incidents centrally. This helps us build a clear picture of what is happening and importantly, identify if something that may initially appear to be a one-off incident is becoming a pattern. 

Once a concern reaches us, staff will follow it up. This may involve talking to the students involved, checking what has happened, contacting parents or carers and deciding what support or action is needed. 

Where bullying has taken place, appropriate sanctions will be used in line with our school policies. However, dealing with bullying isn't only about sanctions. We also want to understand what has happened, support the student who has experienced it and help prevent it from happening again. 

Prevention matters 

We believe the best anti-bullying work happens before bullying starts. 

Assemblies, our ABAs, student leadership, education about online behaviour, clear reporting routes and conversations about kindness and respect all contribute to a positive school culture. 

Our approach also reflects national guidance for schools. 

The Department for Education's Preventing and Tackling Bullying guidance makes clear the importance of schools having measures in place to prevent bullying and responding effectively when it occurs. 

Keeping Children Safe in Education reinforces the importance of listening to children, acting on concerns and ensuring that appropriate safeguarding procedures are followed. 

Our work also supports the wider expectations considered through Ofsted's inspection framework, including school culture, behaviour, safeguarding and creating an environment where pupils feel safe and are able to learn. 

Our Anti-Bullying Ambassadors are one part of that bigger picture – students and staff working together to make James Bateman a safe, welcoming and respectful school for everyone. 

Need to tell us something? 

We always encourage students to speak up. No concern is too small to share. 

Students can speak to an Anti-Bullying Ambassador, Teacher or another trusted adult in school, or use the reporting icon on the school desktop. 

Parents and carers can also contact us if they are worried that their child, or another student, may be experiencing bullying. 

You can email us at antibullying@jamesbateman.staffs.sch.uk 

 

If something doesn't feel right, tell someone. We're here to listen and help.