Anti-Bullying
Strategy.
A trauma-informed, restorative approach to creating safe spaces where every learner can heal, grow, and thrive.
Our Trauma-Informed Commitment
At New Seeds Education, we recognise that hurt people hurt people. Many of our learners have experienced significant trauma, including previous experiences of bullying, abuse, or neglect. These experiences shape how young people see themselves, others, and the world around them.
We do not excuse harmful behaviour, but we seek to understand it. Our trauma-informed approach means we look beyond the behaviour to see the whole child, responding with compassion while maintaining clear boundaries and expectations.
Bullying is never acceptable, and we take it seriously. However, we believe that restorative approaches - which focus on repairing harm and rebuilding relationships - are more effective than punitive responses at creating lasting change and genuine safety.
Our Trauma-Informed Principles
These principles, rooted in the science of trauma and attachment, guide everything we do. They help us create an environment where healing can happen.
Safety First
We prioritise physical and emotional safety for all. Our environments are predictable, calm, and nurturing, reducing anxiety and creating space for healing.
Trustworthiness
We build trust through consistency, transparency, and keeping our promises. Staff model respectful relationships and maintain clear, fair boundaries.
Choice & Collaboration
Learners are given voice and choice wherever possible. We work with young people, not on them, recognising their expertise in their own lives.
Empowerment
We focus on strengths, building resilience and self-regulation skills. Every interaction is an opportunity to help young people feel capable and valued.
Our Restorative Approach
Restorative practice shifts the focus from rule-breaking and punishment to harm and repair. It asks: Who has been affected? What do they need? Whose responsibility is it to meet those needs?
Understanding, Not Punishment
We seek to understand the 'why' behind behaviour. Punitive responses often re-traumatise and rarely change behaviour. Instead, we help young people understand the impact of their actions.
Repairing Harm
Our focus is on repairing the harm caused to relationships and the community. This empowers those who have been hurt and gives those who caused harm a chance to make amends.
Accountability with Support
We hold young people accountable while providing the support they need to make better choices. Accountability without support is punishment; support without accountability enables harm.
Building Connection
Restorative conversations rebuild trust and connection. We use restorative questions, circles, and conferences to bring people together and find ways forward.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is behaviour that is repeated, intended to hurt someone either physically or emotionally, and often involves an imbalance of power. It can take many forms:
Physical
Hitting, kicking, pushing, or any physical aggression
Verbal
Name-calling, insults, threats, or intimidating language
Social/Relational
Exclusion, spreading rumours, or damaging relationships
Cyberbullying
Online harassment, hurtful messages, or sharing images
Prejudice-based
Targeting someone's race, disability, religion, or identity
Prevention Through Connection
The best prevention is a strong, connected community. When young people feel they belong and matter, bullying is far less likely to occur.
Relational Culture
Strong, trusting relationships between staff and learners create an environment where young people feel safe to speak up and seek help.
Co-Regulation
Staff model calm, regulated behaviour. We teach and practice emotional regulation skills, helping learners develop their own capacity to self-regulate.
Restorative Circles
Regular community circles build connection, develop communication skills, and create a culture of respect and mutual understanding.
Trauma-Aware Education
Staff understand how trauma affects behaviour and brain development. We see behaviour as communication and respond with curiosity, not judgement.
Our Restorative Response Process
When bullying occurs, we follow a trauma-informed, restorative process that prioritises safety, understanding, and repair.
Regulate & Connect
Ensure everyone is calm and feels safe. Dysregulated young people cannot engage in problem-solving.
Listen with Curiosity
Hear all perspectives without judgement. Ask 'What happened?' not 'What did you do wrong?'
Explore the Impact
Help everyone understand how they and others have been affected. Build empathy and awareness.
Identify Needs
What does each person need to feel safe and move forward? What unmet needs drove the behaviour?
Agree a Way Forward
Collaboratively develop a plan to repair harm, with clear commitments from all parties.
Follow Up & Support
Monitor progress, check in regularly, and provide ongoing support to sustain positive change.
Supporting Everyone Involved
Supporting Those Who Have Been Hurt
- Immediate safety and emotional support
- Validation of their experience and feelings
- A voice in how the situation is resolved
- Ongoing check-ins and wellbeing support
- Help to rebuild confidence and trust
- Access to counselling if needed
Supporting Those Who Have Caused Harm
- Exploring the reasons behind the behaviour
- Helping them understand the impact of their actions
- Developing empathy and perspective-taking
- Teaching alternative ways to meet their needs
- Opportunity to make genuine amends
- Support for their own underlying needs or trauma
How to Report Bullying
We encourage anyone who experiences or witnesses bullying to report it. Speaking up helps us keep everyone safe.
For Learners
- Talk to any member of staff you trust
- Speak to your key worker
- Tell a parent/carer who can contact us
- Write it down if talking feels hard
For Parents/Carers
- Contact your child's key worker
- Call the school office: 01902 283 705
- Email: office@newseedseducation.co.uk
- Request a meeting with the Director
Helpful Resources
External organisations that provide support and information about bullying.