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Student Behaviour

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Winstanley College is committed to creating an inclusive environment that is pro-active in the way that it respects Equality and Diversity for all. This means three things for students and staff:

Firstly, even though we are aware of the differences created by, for example, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, physical ability or health status, age or socio-economic background, College aims to respond to these differences in a way that meets your needs both as an individual and as someone who may feel affiliation to particular groups. We want to give you the opportunity to work or study in an environment where you feel safe, respected and appreciated and where your voice can be heard.

Secondly, College needs to provide a learning environment that helps each individual student to learn effectively and each member of staff to develop. Your learning and development needs – however individual they are – should be met and supported by College.

Thirdly we would like you to be aware of, and participate in, your local community and in the vibrant and dynamic multi-ethnic, multi-racial and multi-cultural world of Britain today. Our commitment to you means, therefore, that we encourage you to be involved in your local community, particularly in the working world and in the wider European and world community.

Our Commitment

We have a commitment to equality and recognise the right to be different (diversity). We will try to create a College ethos that recognises and welcomes the individual's right to be an individual.

As a member of the College Community, we all have a part to play in treating each other with mutual respect and tolerance. Any reports of bullying, harassment or interference with the equality and diversity rights of any individual will be taken seriously and investigated accordingly.

Students are very respectful and caring for each other. They show high levels of tolerance and understanding across the diverse student population. For example, students benefit from a very active LGBT+ society that is supported and encouraged by leaders and managers. During Black History Month, students celebrated Black British history by promoting prominent Black British individuals from across society.

Ofsted, February 2020

If you feel discriminated against, or are concerned about the behaviour of others towards any member of the College or wider community, please speak to someone.

If you are a student, then speak to your Personal Tutor, a member of the Stay Safe Team, or the Student Union EDI Officer.
If you are a member of staff, then speak to your line manager or the Human Resources department.

Students and staff can also speak to the College’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Officer and are invited to attend the EDI Steering Group.
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Bullying and Harassment Strategy

Bullying and Harassment Procedure

Bullying of any kind is unacceptable at Winstanley College. In our College, we are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our students so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Being bullied can happen at any age and is a terrible experience. No one at College would like to feel that anyone was suffering because of bullying or harassment.

The Bullying and Harassment Procedure applies to all students irrespective of whether the bullying or harassment takes place on or off College premises, and is either actual or on line. All members of staff will be conversant with the Bullying and Harassment Procedure and have a responsibility to identify, challenge and report, as appropriate. Under the Equality Act 2010 it is the duty of the College to eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation within the College community.

What is bullying?

Although it is difficult to define exactly what people mean by the term, generally speaking bullying is the use of aggression, usually with the intention of hurting another person. This may focus on a person’s perceived ‘difference’ such as sexuality, race or disability. Bullying results in pain and distress to the victim even if this is not the sole intention of the harasser. Bullying can be:

Emotional - being unfriendly, excluding, tormenting.
Physical - pushing, kicking, hitting, punching or any use of violence.
Racist - racial taunts, graffiti, gestures.
Sexual - unwanted physical contact or sexually abusive comments.
Homophobic/Sexist/Gender - because of, or focussing on, the issue of sexuality or gender
Verbal - name-calling, sarcasm, spreading rumours, teasing.
Cyber - all areas of internet, such as misuse of email & internet chat room and sites such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Yik Yak, threats made by text messaging and calls, misuse of associated technology i.e. camera and video facilities.

What we can do

All allegations will be treated seriously and with sensitivity. They will be dealt with as quickly as possible, in any of the following ways:

Mediation - In the majority of cases, bullying and harassment can be dealt with through a process of mediation, as very often the instigator will be unaware of the effect of their actions. In mediation, all parties come together to discuss the situation, the reasons and effects, and try to find an amicable solution.

Disciplinary Action - If mediation is not possible or not appropriate then the College Student Disciplinary Policy procedures will be implemented.

No matter what the outcomes of the investigations and procedure, all those involved will receive appropriate ongoing support.

It is probable that the first person you would talk to is your Personal Tutor, but you can report the incident to any member of staff.

What can you do?

First and foremost it is important to come forward. If you feel humiliated, threatened or even repeatedly patronised or isolated by someone else, then don’t feel you have to put up with it. The sooner you try to resolve the situation, the better – and most situations can, with a little help be resolved.

Although it may feel daunting to come forward at first, remember that you can only change the situation if you tell somebody. It must be the person being bullied who makes the complaint. All incidents that are reported will be dealt with seriously and sensitively. Ordinarily, the first person you would talk to is your Personal Tutor or Senior Tutor, but if you feel it is more appropriate you can consult Victoria.Morgan@winstanley.ac.uk – Assistant Principal from the outset. Sometimes you might just want a sympathetic listening ear from a member of staff. All the individuals involved in any alleged bullying will be seen separately. Where possible we will try to respect confidentiality. You can also use the stand-up, speak out buttons on your portal to report an incident if you would rather do this first.

What happens after I raise a concern?

Sometimes the alleged bully is genuinely unaware of the effect of their behaviour, other times there is real misunderstanding and miscommunication on both sides. In all cases, we will negotiate between all parties to bring about a favourable solution. The aim of such negotiation is for the participants to agree on acceptable behaviour. Usually this resolves the matter, although in very rare cases the Senior Team may need to be involved if the issue requires disciplinary action. For further details regarding Race, Disability and Gender Equality see the internet site under Student Support.

Speak Out - Reporting System

What can you do?

All the individuals involved in any alleged bullying will be seen separately. Where possible we will try to respect confidentiality. You can also use the stand-up, speak out buttons on your portal to report an incident if you would rather do this first.