Anti-Bullying Policy

Revised: June 2026 (LC & KV)

Review date: September 2027

  • Trafford Music Service is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, inclusive and supportive environment where all children, young people, staff, volunteers and visitors are treated with dignity and respect. We believe that every child and young person has the right to enjoy music-making free from bullying, harassment, intimidation and discrimination. Bullying of any kind is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

  • Bullying is behaviour by an individual or group that is repeated over time and intentionally causes physical or emotional harm to another person.

    Bullying can take many forms, including:

    • Physical abuse, such as hitting, kicking or damaging belongings.

    • Verbal abuse, including name-calling, taunting and offensive comments.

    • Emotional or social abuse, such as exclusion, intimidation, gossip and spreading rumours.

    • Online (cyber) bullying through social media, messaging apps, gaming platforms, emails, texts or the sharing of inappropriate images or video.

    We recognise that bullying can have a serious impact on a child or young person's wellbeing, confidence and emotional development. Bullying is a form of peer-on-peer abuse and will never be dismissed as "banter", "just having a laugh" or "part of growing up".

     All concerns will be taken seriously. We recognise that bullying may go unreported, and all children and young people will be supported appropriately whenever concerns are raised, regardless of where the bullying occurs.

  • Bullying can affect anyone and may include:

    • Physical, emotional or sexual harassment and bullying.

    • Cyberbullying through digital and online platforms.

    • Bullying related to appearance, home circumstances, caring responsibilities, or physical and mental health.

    • Prejudice-based or discriminatory bullying, including that related to race, religion, ethnicity, culture, SEND, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or maternity status.

  • Our Music Service community:

    • Challenges inappropriate behaviour and promotes positive relationships.

    • Promotes our Behaviour High Fives.

    • Regularly reviews and strengthens anti-bullying practice.

    • Recognises that some children and young people, including those with SEND, may be more vulnerable to bullying and ensures appropriate support is available.

    • Takes prompt and effective action to address bullying concerns.

    • Ensures all participants feel safe, respected and confident that concerns will be dealt with sensitively.

    • Expects everyone to contribute to a positive, inclusive environment and uphold this policy.

    • Works closely with parents/carers and keeps them informed throughout the management of bullying concerns.

    • To report incidents of bullying please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead by e-mail: ruth.okeefe@trafford.gov.uk

    • Draws on good practice and external support, including Local Authority and specialist organisations, where appropriate.

  • The Music Service is committed to creating a safe, inclusive and respectful environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We will:

    • Promote a culture of respect, kindness, equality and inclusion.

    • Recognise and support those who may be more vulnerable to bullying, including children and young people with SEND.

    • Challenge all forms of discriminatory behaviour, language and attitudes, including so-called "banter".

    • Encourage the safe and responsible use of technology and social media.

    • Celebrate diversity, achievement and positive relationships.

    • Provide clear routes for reporting concerns and accessing support.

    • Take prompt, proportionate action in response to bullying, including incidents occurring online or outside Music Service activities where relevant.

    • Work in partnership with parents/carers, schools and external agencies to prevent and address bullying.

    • Use appropriate restorative and disciplinary approaches to resolve concerns and promote positive behaviour.

  • All bullying concerns will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly. The Music Service will:

    • Respond immediately to reported or suspected incidents.

    • Ensure the safety and wellbeing of those affected and provide appropriate support.

    • Inform the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) where appropriate, particularly if there are safeguarding concerns.

    • Investigate incidents fairly, involving all relevant parties.

    • Keep accurate records of concerns, actions and outcomes record on the bespoke safeguarding software CPOMS.

    • Inform parents/carers and relevant staff as appropriate.

    • Implement suitable support and consequences in line with safeguarding and behaviour procedures.

    • Involve external agencies, including the police or children's services, where necessary.

  • The Music Service will:

    • Act promptly on all reports of cyberbullying.

    • Support those affected and work with those responsible to prevent further incidents.

    • Encourage the retention of evidence, such as screenshots or messages.

    • Take reasonable steps to identify those involved and remove harmful content where possible.

    • Apply appropriate sanctions and support measures.

    • Refer matters to the police where a criminal offence may have occurred.

    • Provide guidance on staying safe online, including blocking users, reporting content and protecting personal information.

    • Immediate reassurance, pastoral support and opportunities to discuss concerns with a trusted member of staff.

    • Help to rebuild confidence and self-esteem.

    • Ongoing support, including engagement with parents/carers and, where appropriate, specialist services.

    • Trafford Music Service will respond to bullying behaviour in a fair, consistent and restorative way, in line with the Relationship and Behaviour Policy.

    • Restorative conversations will be used to help students understand the impact of their behaviour and repair relationships.

    • Parents/carers will be involved where appropriate.

    • Additional support, monitoring or referral to external services may be provided where required.

    • Appropriate safeguarding action will be taken.

    • Where bullying behaviour is serious, repeated or ongoing despite intervention and support, Trafford Music Service may issue a final warning and ultimately withdraw provision in line with the Relationship and Behaviour Policy.

  • Parents / carers will be informed of bullying concerns where appropriate and will be supported to work in partnership with Trafford Music Service to promote positive relationships and behaviour.

  • We work in partnership with parents and carers to prevent and address bullying. We will:

    • Ensure parents / carers are aware of this policy and our commitment to tackling bullying.

    • Provide clear information about bullying, support available, and key contacts.

    • Encourage parents / carers to raise concerns promptly and access independent advice where needed.

    • Work collaboratively with families and the wider community to address bullying concerns.

    • Promote positive behaviour and respectful relationships both online and offline.

  • TMS will ensure that they regularly monitor and evaluate mechanisms to ensure that the policy is being consistently applied.

    The Head of Service and TMS senior leadership team will be informed of bullying concerns, as appropriate.

  • The following links may provide additional support to children, staff or families:

    ‍Cyberbullying

    SEND:

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