Page 41 - Pastoral Guide 2025-2026

How does the College respond to concerns or allegations of bullying?
The response is led by Mrs Brown (Designated Safeguarding Lead) or by one of the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. The first step is usually a meeting with the alleged victim to investigate the concerns/allegations and the wider context in which they may have occurred. Mrs Brown (or the Deputy DSL) will often then discuss the concerns or allegations with relevant colleagues and will, where necessary, take any immediate steps to ensure the safety of the pupil/all pupils affected. The next step is for
the pupil allegedly responsible for the bullying behaviour to meet with Mrs. Swart (Head of Pupil Guidance) for further investigations. Other pupils and members of staff will then be interviewed,
as appropriate, to form a full picture of events. The results of the investigation are then often discussed with the relevant HouseMs and with the Pastoral Team before taking the next
steps which may involve further conversations, sanctions, restorative practices, liaising with parents, informing relevant members of staff and continual monitoring of the situation. The priority is always the safety of the pupils involved and we realise that pupils responsible for bullying behaviour sometimes have unmet needs and may be at risk themselves, in which case the Pastoral Team may use other interventions, which may include seeing a school counsellor
or support from the Chaplain. Disciplinary interventions alone are rarely able to solve issues of bullying, and the College will always consider the wider actions that may need to be taken. The College’s response to concerns/allegations of bullying form part on an on-going proactive approach to embed best practice and take a whole-school approach.
PASTORAL GUIDE TO MALVERN COLLEGE
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