Anti-Bullying & Harassment Policy

1. Policy Statement

1.1. At ACE Language School (ACE), we affirm the right of students, staff, homestay hosts, accommodation providers, contractors, visitors, and community members to study, work, and live in a secure environment, free from bullying and harassment.

1.2. The primary objective of this document is to establish a safe, healthy, fair, and stress-free learning environment where each student can fully embrace their experience at ACE. This involves:

1.2.1. Cultivating an environment where the unacceptability of bullying and harassment is clear, minimizing the likelihood of occurrences. 1.2.2. Preventing, detecting, and addressing bullying or harassment on a case-by-case basis through counseling, disciplinary measures, and potential expulsion. 1.2.3. Encouraging reporting of bullying or harassment at all levels. 1.2.4. Establishing strategies to respond to allegations and resolve complaints regarding bullying or harassment. 1.2.5. Adhering to the duties outlined in the Equality Act 2010.

2. Scope of the Policy

2.1. This policy applies to anyone enrolled in a course at ACE, regardless of age, gender, nationality, or other personal circumstances.

2.2. The provisions of this policy are applicable on the school’s premises at all times and, where appropriate, during students’ activities outside the premises.

2.3. This policy covers bullying and harassment involving:

2.3.1. Fellow ACE students; 2.3.2. Teachers and other ACE staff; 2.3.3. Homestay hosts, their immediate family, relatives, friends, and visitors; 2.3.4. Accommodation providers, along with their staff members; 2.3.5. Contractors working for ACE; 2.3.6. Visitors on ACE premises; 2.3.7. Members of the general public.

3. Definitions

3.1. For the purpose of this policy, the following definitions apply:

3.1.1. Student: Any individual enrolled in a course at any ACE location. 3.1.2. Victim/Complainant: An individual who believes they have experienced or witnessed bullying or harassment. 3.1.3. Perpetrator/Offender: An individual accused of behavior constituting bullying or harassment. 3.1.4. Bullying (as per DfE guidance): Repeated behavior intentionally causing physical or emotional harm, taking various forms, and often motivated by prejudice. 3.1.5. Harassment (as per Equality Act 2010): Unwanted conduct violating an individual’s dignity or creating an offensive environment. 3.1.6. Protected Characteristic (as per Equality Act 2010): Age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.

4. General Principles for Prevention

4.1. ACE will strive to promote an anti-bullying and anti-harassment culture among its students at all times.

4.2. The school encourages disclosure and reporting of any bullying or harassment episode, ensuring absolute confidentiality for complainants.

5. Responsibility of Students

5.1. All ACE students are expected to:

5.1.1. Promote an anti-bullying and anti-harassment culture by adhering to the principles outlined in this policy.

5.1.2. Prevent bullying and harassment, being sensitive to others’ reactions and needs.

5.1.3. Discourage bullying and harassment by making it clear that such conduct is unacceptable and supporting those taking steps to stop it. 5.1.4. Report any harassment or bullying to a trusted staff member.

6. Reporting Bullying or Harassment

6.1. Students who believe they’ve experienced or witnessed bullying or harassment can follow the outlined procedures:

6.1.1. Informal Resolution:

Discuss the issue informally to enhance understanding and agree on ceasing the behavior.
Encourage complainants to ask the offender to stop or make it clear that the behavior is unwelcome.
Maintain records of verbal or written communication.

6.1.2. Formal Resolution:

If informal steps fail, report bullying or harassment to any trusted staff member, who will escalate the matter to the Principal.
In exceptional cases, such as allegations against key staff, the Managing Director will handle the complaint.

6.1.3. Investigation:

The Principal or designated senior manager will investigate the complaint following the Complaints Procedure.
Allegations will be treated seriously, confidentially, and without victimizing complainants.

6.1.4. Action and Suspension:

In serious cases, the involved student may be suspended pending further investigation.
If confirmed, disciplinary measures will be taken. Malicious or vexatious allegations will be addressed in accordance with disciplinary procedures.

6.2. Appeals:

Appeals against disciplinary sanctions follow the Disciplinary Procedure.
Appeals against inquiry outcomes follow the Complaints Procedure.

6.3. If unsatisfied with ACE’s response, students can escalate complaints to English UK by mailing details of the problem’s resolution to info@englishuk.com or 219 St. John Street, London EC1V 4LY.