@LeahMe
It doesn't antagonise me at all. It's a very valid question.
And there isn't a one fit all solution, and I think this is where a problem lies. Policies, then at least, were catered to the masses. Which makes sense because you need something to fall back on. But there should be some discretion to speed things up a hell of a lot quicker. There are, but even then it takes time.
How it's dealt with then depends if it's a one off, ongoing, or whatever. . So I would have a chat, use stars, let the parents know, letting management depends because I'm not going to run off every moment to them. Then, of course, there's losing things and detentions, taken from the class etc.
Regardless of what happened and the steps I took, even if it just for me, I kept notes. A small book just for the purpose of noting these things down. Why? To see if there was anything else going on. Sometimes it is just a silly thing because they are still learning. They do loads at home they cannot do at school, so of course, they try. Just like we did. Many of my colleagues did the same from lunch staff to management.
It is also unfortunately done to cover our asses from management. We tell them, we do what we have to do in terms of reporting. Time and date all written. So if they come back to have a go because someone else is having a go at them, we can say well actually. It happens and you would be amazed how many starts shouting at you for their fuck up.
It is often a judgement call. When you spend time with them you know who is seeing how far they can push. You have to expect it.
Once they are out of the classroom all we can do is raise our concerns and leave it in whoever deals with that, hands. Although I have gone overheads on more than one occasion when SS or whoever has needed to be brought into it. Nice management, understand. Not so nice, another shouting match from that dickhead because you have dared to do that.
There's very little support for staff. Report bullying to whoever. Fill out loads of paperwork. You do what you do in the class within the policy.
We see that something is going on, We see it in the kids' eyes sometimes. Their posture etc. Their pictures. The things they write. The things they say and do. Victim/bully both have things that show. It's like your own child, you know when something is wrong. And in the meantime, we are reporting away and filling in fucking paperwork. And talking to management.
Try this, and try that they suggest because their hands are tied.
So we go on and on.
We go home and it's never over. You are worried about little Tommy and Sally (victim and bully) and others in the class.
It can really mess with your head. You're begging for support, for help, but there is none because the budget isn't there or their hands are tied whilst we follow every fucking step of a policy.
And those that sit back and do nothing need sacking. They are in the wrong job. If they aren't doing the protection part of the job they shouldn't be there. And yes I have also whistleblown on colleagues when needed. Even told one person I had (not my last school)
Hope it all makes sense. I waffle way too much at times lol. Probably a good thing I'm no longer in education, nothing would be taught 😂