Looked after children and young people can be particuarly vulnerable to bullying, and will often not have a stable support network to help them deal with the problem. Schools have a major part to play in ensuring that children in care are healthy, happy, safe and successful.
Like anyone who is seen as 'different' at school, children in care may receive unwelcome attention stemming from their circumstances. Sometimes the behaviour of other pupils is the result of curiosity expressed inappropriately. On other occasions these situations can become more unpleasant, and could develop into bullying.
Children and young people react differently these situations, depending on how they feel at the time, or what personal resources or skills they have to draw on. They might ignore taunts, or else stand up to people, or they might get angry and lash out. Some children and young people describe experiences of reacting physically to bullying, as a result of frustration at lack of support in the school, and finding the situation has escalated to such an extent that it leads to exclusion or truanting.
Carers and teachers need to collaborate to ensure that looked after children and young people do not experience additional stress caused by bullying. Every school should have a policy on bullying, which should specifically account for looked-after children. See the DCSF publication Safe to learn: embedding anti-bullying work in schools, for more guidance on producing an anti-bullying policy.
TIK is a completely free resource for teachers. It explains the complexities of care system, and empowers teachers to support the needs of children in care and help them get the most from school.
The Who Cares? Trust,
Kemp House, 152-160 City Road,
London EC1V 2NP, UK,
Telephone: 020 7251 3117
Email: mailbox@thewhocarestrust.org.uk
The Who Cares? Trust is a registered charity (No. 1010518). A Company limited by guarantee. Registered in London (No. 2700693). VAT Reg. No. 577853091
Charity web design by Fat Beehive - Main photo by epidemya
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