SEN and Disabilities

Bullying Related to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

Children with special needs or emotional/ behavioural difficulties are more likely to be involved in bullying. They also may be less able to accurately report what has happened, meaning that bullying of these children is often more difficult to pick up on and resolve. 

Tips for tackling SEN / disabilist bullying…

• Be alert for changes in what is usual for SEN children. Some SEN children will not be able to tell you if they are being bullied so look for unspoken signs too. 
• If you use a communication system, make sure it allows children to tell you about bullying. You could make some picture cards or learn some new signs to communicate this. 
• Make sure that all children all fully aware of what bullying is. 
• Prepare the whole class if a child is being placed with you whose behaviours may appear strange/ confusing to other children.
• Make sure any bullying problems are included at the annual review, even if this is only to say that they have now been sorted out.