Anti-Bullying Policy
Last Update February 2026
Smart Steps Ltd. trading as Smart Steps is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all children.
Bullying of any kind is not tolerated, and concerns are addressed in a fair, consistent, and supportive way.
Policy Statement
Smart Steps Ltd. trading as Smart Steps is committed to providing a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all children.
We expect children, staff, and all others connected with the service to treat one another with kindness, dignity, and respect. Bullying of any kind is not tolerated, and Smart Steps is committed to preventing, identifying, and responding to bullying behaviour in a fair, consistent, and supportive way.
Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to support the prevention of bullying behaviour and to outline how Smart Steps responds where bullying concerns arise.
This policy aims to promote a positive culture within the service, support children’s wellbeing, and ensure that concerns are dealt with promptly, sensitively, and appropriately.
Scope
This policy applies to all children attending Smart Steps and to all staff responsible for supporting children within the service.
It applies to behaviour occurring within the service, during activities connected with the service, and in circumstances where behaviour outside the service has an impact on a child’s safety, wellbeing, or experience within Smart Steps.
Definition of Bullying
In accordance with recognised anti-bullying guidance, bullying is unwanted negative behaviour, whether verbal, psychological, or physical, carried out by an individual or group against another person, and which is repeated over time.
Bullying behaviour may include:
deliberate exclusion
malicious gossip
verbal abuse or intimidation
physical aggression
gestures or threatening behaviour
taking or damaging belongings
repeated exclusion from games or activities
cyber-bullying
identity-based bullying, including racist bullying, homophobic bullying, bullying related to disability or special educational needs, or bullying linked to a child’s background or identity
This list is not exhaustive, and other behaviours may also be considered bullying where appropriate.
Isolated Incidents
Not all negative behaviour is bullying. Isolated or once-off incidents of unkind, hurtful, or inappropriate behaviour do not normally fall within the definition of bullying and will be dealt with under the Smart Steps Behaviour Management procedures.
However, a once-off public online message, image, or statement that is offensive or hurtful and can be viewed or shared by others may be treated as bullying behaviour due to its wider impact.
Preventing Bullying
Smart Steps believes that prevention is the most effective way to address bullying behaviour.
We support this by:
promoting an inclusive environment where difference and diversity are respected
encouraging children to speak openly about worries or concerns
involving children in developing expectations and rules for the service
supporting respectful relationships and positive interactions
praising kindness, cooperation, and respectful behaviour
addressing discriminatory, derogatory, or hurtful language consistently
encouraging children to speak to parents, school staff, or Smart Steps staff if they are worried
promoting awareness of internet safety and cyber-bullying where relevant
limiting opportunities for cyber-bullying within the service
modelling respectful behaviour in all interactions between staff and children
Through everyday practice, Smart Steps seeks to promote respect for all, value diversity, challenge prejudice and stereotyping, and make clear that bullying behaviour is unacceptable.
Responding to Bullying
All concerns relating to bullying behaviour are taken seriously.
Where bullying is witnessed, reported, or disclosed:
the concern will be listened to and handled sensitively
the information will be recorded as accurately as possible
the manager or designated person will investigate the concern
children involved will be spoken with appropriately
relevant information will be gathered
parents/guardians of the children involved will be informed
interactions between the children may be monitored more closely
staff will support children to resolve issues and reinforce expectations for behaviour
Where relevant, evidence relating to cyber-bullying or repeated behaviour may also be considered.
Working with Parents/Guardians
Smart Steps recognises the importance of working in partnership with parents/guardians when bullying concerns arise.
Where appropriate, a plan of action will be discussed with parents/guardians to support the children involved and to promote a positive resolution. In some cases, and with appropriate parental involvement, the service may liaise with the child’s school where this is necessary to support consistency of approach.
Serious or Ongoing Concerns
Most concerns can be addressed through early intervention, close monitoring, support, and partnership with parents/guardians.
However, where bullying behaviour is serious, repeated, or continues despite efforts to address it, further action may be required. In exceptional circumstances, and following appropriate efforts to resolve the matter, Smart Steps may review whether the placement can continue.
Complaints
Any issues or concerns regarding the implementation of this policy should be addressed in line with the Smart Steps Complaints Policy and Procedures.
Policy Information
Policy Owner: Smart Steps Ltd
Approved by: Smart Steps Management
Date of Last Review: 11/02/2026
Review Cycle: Every 2 years or sooner if required