PREVENT 

What is the Prevent strategy?

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing and violent groups, to name but a few. The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, it is also about teaching our pupils values such as tolerance and mutual respect, which form part of the British Values.

Extremism

Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. We will give our pupils the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

Radicalisation

Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. It can result in a person becoming drawn into terrorism and is in itself a form of harm. The process of radicalisation happens gradually so children and young people who are affected may not realise what it is that they are being drawn into.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

From July 2015 all schools have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.

What do we do in school?

Many of the things we already do in school to help our pupils become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.

These include:

• Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity.
• Challenging prejudices and racist comments.
• Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity.
• Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values. These regularly take place through assemblies, CPSHE, RS curriculum and drop-down days.

If you think a child or the people around them are involved in radicalisation and there is an immediate risk of harm, call 999 straight away.

If it isn’t an emergency you can contact the following:

• Contacting the DSL’s
• Calling the police anti-terrorism hotline on 0800 789 321
• Call the radicalisation helpline on the Protecting children from radicalisation | NSPCC– 0808 800 5000
• Reporting suspicious activity - Report possible terrorist or extremist activity | Action Counters Terrorism - Report possible terrorist or extremist activity

If you have any questions or concerns about Prevent, please do not hesitate to contact the Safeguarding Team at school.

Please see the guidance below for further information.

Prevent Guidance: Learn about gangs and how to prevent involvement

Prevent Parental Guidance: Understanding Extremism