1. Statement of Values
Taqwa Institute is committed to providing a safe, disciplined and nurturing environment where every child is treated with dignity, honour and fairness.
"O humankind, We created you from a single male and a single female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another. Indeed, the most honoured of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you." (Qur'an 49:13)
Bullying, racism and discrimination violate Islamic moral principles and UK law. Taqwa Institute operates a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of bullying and racist behaviour.
2. Definitions
2.1 Bullying
Bullying is behaviour that is deliberate, repeated over time, and involves an imbalance of power. It may be:
- Physical: hitting, pushing, damaging property
- Verbal: name-calling, threats, mocking
- Psychological: exclusion, spreading rumours, humiliation
- Cyberbullying: abuse through digital platforms or social media
- Prejudice-based: motivated by race, religion, disability, gender or other protected characteristic
2.2 Racism
Any behaviour motivated by prejudice based on race, colour, nationality, ethnicity or national origin. All racist incidents must be recorded and reported regardless of severity, fulfilling Taqwa's obligations under the Equality Act 2010.
3. Scope
This policy applies to all pupils, staff, volunteers and visitors in connection with any Taqwa Institute activity, including classroom sessions, sports activities, educational visits, and online spaces linked to Taqwa.
4. Prevention
Taqwa Institute prevents bullying and racism through:
- Clear expectations embedded in the Behaviour Policy
- Regular staff training on identifying and responding to bullying
- Pupil education on respectful behaviour and Islamic ethics
- Adequate supervision during unstructured times
- Systems for pupils to report concerns safely and confidentially
- Celebration of diversity within the Taqwa community
5. Reporting & Response
Any pupil, parent or staff member who has a concern must report it to any member of staff or directly to the Principal. All reports are taken seriously.
When a concern is reported, Taqwa Institute will:
- Act promptly — all concerns acknowledged within one working day
- Investigate fairly — gathering information from all parties
- Record accurately — all incidents logged on the school management system
- Inform parents/carers — of all pupils involved
- Apply proportionate sanctions — ranging from warnings to exclusion
- Provide support — pastoral support for victims; behavioural support for perpetrators
- Monitor — to ensure the behaviour has stopped
Racist incidents are recorded separately and reported to the Principal, who considers whether further statutory reporting is required.
6. Support
Victims receive: pastoral support, reassurance, and ongoing monitoring.
Perpetrators receive: clear explanation of sanctions, guidance, and support to change behaviour.
Restorative approaches are used where appropriate to repair relationships and promote accountability.
7. Policy Review
Reviewed annually and following any serious incident. Available to parents/carers on the Taqwa website and on request.
Next review: Academic Year 2026–2027
Taqwa Institute | Crossbank Street, Oldham, OL8 1HE | Charity No: 1131176 office@taqwainstitute.org | 0161 633 3626 | www.taqwainstitute.org