________________________________ Prevent
The Prevent Strategy
What is Prevent
Prevent is a branch of the government’s Counter Terror Service which aims to stop radicalisation and provide support services to vulnerable individuals.
The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.
- To stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism
- Building community resilience to challenge extremist and terrorist ideology
- It is about all forms of terrorism – Far Right as well as Islamist Extremism
- Prevent operates in the non-criminal space
- Not concerned with matters of faith but issues of ideology
Prevent is about SAFEGUARDING
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) 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 would protect them from racist abuse, substance abuse and bullying.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we already do in school to help children 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 such as democracy, law and order. We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with children.
What are we doing at Riverside Bridge School to promote PREVENT?
We are:
- teaching our children to respect one another, being courteous, good mannered and taking pride in our school through our Core Values.
- ensuring all of our teaching, support staff and Governors participate in annual training, ensuring in-depth understanding of PREVENT and an increased awareness.
- pro-actively educating our children on what constitutes bullying and harassment, discrimination and use of derogatory language through workshops, lessons (PHSE) and holding open discussion forums facilitated by internal staff and external providers.
- through our curriculum, promoting the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society.
- through sharing of our up-to-date policies e.g. Safeguarding, Bullying and harassment, Equality and Diversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Prevent relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to Prevent strategy.
British values include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty and mutual respect
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such a tolerance and mutual respect.
The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved. Our school British values statement can be found on our school website:
Is Extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger treat in our area than others.
We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
Recognising Extremism – signs may include:
- Out of character changes in behaviour and peer relationships
- Secretive behaviour
- Losing interest in friends and activities
- Showing sympathy for extremist causes
- Glorifying violence
- Possessing illegal or extremist literature
- Advocating messages similar to illegal organisations such as groups like the English Defence League.
How can parents support children and young people to stay safe?
- Know where your child is, who they are with and check this for yourself
- Know their friends
- Keep communication open, listen to your child and talk to them about their interests
- Encourage positivity towards local groups that you can trust
- Talk to them about what they see on TV or on the internet,
- Allow and encourage debate and questions about the world
- Allow and encourage debate about the media and does it show a true reflection
- Encourage your child to consider E-Safety at home
Where to go for more information
If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
You will find more details about radicalisation in our safeguarding policy, available on our website.
We also have information about spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British values on the website.
Useful Link
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-children-from-radicalisation-the-prevent-duty
KEY TERMS
Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and belief0073.
Idealogy – a set of beliefs
Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause
Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism
Misogynistic – a person who dislikes, despises, or is strongly prejudiced against women
Where to go for more information
Contact the school
If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.
See our policies
You will find more details about radicalisation in our safeguarding policy, available on our website.
We also have information about spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British values.
External sources
The following sources may also be useful for further information:
Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales, HM Government.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-strategy-2011
Frequently asked questions, Prevent for Schools
http://www.preventforschools.org/?category
What is Prevent? Let’s talk About It
http://www.itai.info/what-is-prevent/
Revised Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales (April 2019)
Equality Act 2010 and schools
Educate Against Hate
CHILD EXPLOITATION & ONLINE PROTECTION CENTRE
CEOP, Think you know: https://www.ceop.police.uk/
This is an online resource which has been set up by the national crime agency to provide the latest information on being on-line, and updates in new technology. The information covers different age groups from 5-14+, and there is a parent/carer area. As well as advice and information there is a red report abuse button which you can use, if you fell worried or uncomfortable about any one on line.