2.9) The policy includes a range of methods by which pupils and parents can report bullying (including a named contact)

Rating description: 

  • Fully met: The policy includes a range of methods by which pupils and parents can report bullying (including a named contact)
  • Partially met: The policy includes a range of methods or one method by which pupils and parents can report bullying however it does not include a named contact.
  • Not yet met: The policy does not include any methods to report bullying and does not include a named contact.

Why is this important?

Providing a range of accessible reporting methods for pupils and parents ensures that concerns about bullying can be raised in a way that feels safe and comfortable for everyone. Including a named contact within the policy gives clarity on who to approach, fostering trust and accountability. Multiple reporting options—such as face-to-face conversations, anonymous reporting, online forms, or dedicated email contacts—help to remove barriers to disclosure, ensuring that incidents are identified and addressed promptly. This approach reinforces the school’s commitment to tackling bullying effectively and creating a supportive environment where all pupils feel heard and protected.

Top Tips:

  • The ability to report and record incidents of bullying behaviour is a crucial part of any anti-bullying strategy. Schools and other settings need to encourage and make it as easy as possible for children and young people to report bullying incidents.
  • Discuss whether there should be designated members of staff to manage bullying complaints. Be clear on timescales for responding to incidents, who you will involve, and what the different outcomes might be. How will you record incidents to establish patterns and provide evidence of action?
  • Having a ‘one size fits all’ approach is unhelpful when supporting children and young people who experience bullying behaviour. Therefore having a range of reporting and recording mechanisms is important. In all cases of bullying behaviour it is necessary to act quickly, but even more so if you have a child who may find it difficult communicating or remembering what has happened.
  • Find out more here.

Resources and examples: 

Resources:

Examples:

Please note that examples from primary and other school settings may still include some useful hints and tips you can adapt and apply for a secondary setting.

See below for quotes and pieces of advice from other schools:

  • "We asked children how they would feel most comfortable to report bullying. School council reported their classes ideas during a school council meeting. The ideas that they had were: through a worry box, speaking to the school council members who would then report to teacher, telling the teacher, having a space where children can share their worries (lunchtime club) and a feelings scale in classroom so teachers can see if children are feeling unhappy and talk to them about it. The policy has now been updated to include these methods."
  • "We have added new ways for pupils to report bullying. These have included introducing FAB leaders- friends against bullying. They are pupils who have been trained to support pupils and pupils are encouraged to report any concerns to them."
  • "There are posters displayed around school with photographs of who the children can talk to and Safeguarding Signposting is on weekly newsletters."

Back to 2. School policy page

Note: the resources listed at the bottom of this page (below) have all been referenced in the text above.