1. Don't ignore it. Not seeing the problem is not the same as not having one. Bullying among children is, to some extent, unavoidable. Any group of people confined together, let alone kids, will develop a social hierarchy based on ability, personality, interests etc. Better to accept the problem is inherent and have active policies to deal with it, than to hide heads in the sand.
2. Break the silence. Bring the issue into the classroom and talk about it. Materials for the PSHE/Citizenship curriculum associated with bullying are detailed on the DfES web site (address below).
3. An inclusive approach. While teachers are at the heart of good school discipline, everyone involved with a school - lollipop lady, bus driver - has a responsibility to maintain acceptable behaviour. And that means the children, too. It is vital they make an active contribution in developing their own codes of conduct. Take a survey to see what problems exist and how the children think they might be solved. Help them collate their ideas into a "constitution" of rules. This way, the reporting of bullying is less "telling tales" and more a duty to the rest of the class.
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