Core Purpose of Promoting Positive Relationships
To create a learning environment where responsibility and respectful relationships are central to the process of teaching and learning and where all members of the education community are aware of the values that underpin all relationships.
Outcomes
All educational establishments in West Dunbartonshire will promote positive relationships through a range of programmes and strategies. Successful implementation will lead to the following outcomes:
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A welcoming environment for pupils, staff, parents and visitors
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Everyone in the learning community feeling valued, listened to and supported regardless of age, gender, race, ability, sexual orientation or beliefs
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Children and young people are supported to develop appropriate strategies to overcome difficulties
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The extended learning community recognising the responsibility of all partners in promoting positive relationships
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Children and young people receive support and information to empower them to make informed decisions and choices about how they interact with others
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A safe and ordered environment encouraging pride and mutual respect
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All staff taking responsibility for creating a learning environment that combines high expectations with a stimulating and enjoyable educational experience
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Adults model positive and respectful relationships
Bullying
West Dunbartonshire aims to promote an atmosphere in all educational establishments where relationships at all levels are positive and respectful and where there is no place for bullying behaviour.
Many children and young people experience bullying because they are ‘different' or because they are perceived to be different. In reality, we don't yet live in a society where diversity is embraced and this can and does lead to bullying.
It's vitally important from a learning and role modeling point of view that adults who come into contact with children and young people in any setting are seen to value difference. If this isn't the case and bullying is taking place, it may act as a barrier to telling.
Pointers for Parents
To create an ethos where bullying is never acceptable, it is important to adopt preventative and reactive strategies on all organisational levels. This will involve looking at the Culture, Practice and Response of organisations in relation to anti-bullying work and dealing with bullying incidents and behaviour.
Culture - An organisation's culture should make it clear that bullying is never acceptable and support all adults and children and young people in achieving this ethos.
Practice - Day to day practices should reflect the message that bullying is never acceptable and should be continuously reinforced in all the work that you do.
Response - Your response when dealing with children and young people who are involved in bullying incidents is vitally important. The response should be consistent, regardless of who the child or young person approaches.
Link to respectme website www.respectme.org.uk
