The full Prevent Duty guidance is available from GOV.UK: Statutory guidance Prevent duty guidance for England, Scotland and Wales
Prevent is about safeguarding our communities from the threat of terrorism by stopping people from supporting it or becoming terrorists themselves.
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 living out our school ethos of Faith, Nurture, and Service; and teaching our pupils to ‘Shine God’s Light’ by learning about both our Christian and British values such as tolerance and mutual respect.
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.
There are many factors that could make someone vulnerable to radicalisation including:
- Feelings of grievance and injustice
- Being at a transitional time of life
- Experiencing a traumatic event
- A desire for political or moral change
- Struggling with a sense of identity, meaning and belonging or questioning their place in society
- A desire for status
- Being influenced or controlled by a group
- Experiencing racism or discrimination
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?
Through our school culture, ethos and motto, alongside our PSHE, RE and Personal Development curricula, we aim to explore other cultures and religions, challenge prejudice and educate our young people on protected characteristics, and equality. We allow opportunities for pupils to reflect on their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and educate pupils on the rights of the child and British values. We want to ensure our pupils become members of society who can contribute positively to their community.
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 in school
· 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
Useful links for Parents:
Lancashire PREVENT Partnership
Cyber Choices – Helping young people make positive choices
Advice on how to stay secure online
Spotting the signs, seeking advice and support - Action Counters Terrorism: ACT Early.
Prevent Guidance: Learn about gangs and how to prevent involvement
Prevent Parental Guidance: Understanding Extremism