The Prevent Strategy – What parents need to know
What is the Prevent strategy?
We live in a world where the threat of extremism, radicalisation and terrorism are very real. Prevent is the government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.
There are 4 key features:
- Pursue- to stop terrorist attacks
- Prevent – to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorists
- Protect – to strengthen our protection against terror attacks
- Prepare – where an attack cannot be stopped, to mitigate its impact
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 must be aware of local concerns and any risks these might pose to our children. As a school, we work with other agencies as part of our normal practice. We take steps to identify vulnerable children and we support them to achieve, keep safe and be free from harm. This is part of our safeguarding responsibility. The Prevent Duty is a multi-agency method to support those at risk of radicalisation, extremism or terrorism,
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:
- having a broad and balanced curriculum
- identifying risks and actively teaching about these through our wider curriculum
- exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity and equality
- challenging prejudices and racist comments
- supporting children with their friendships and social skills
- ensuring we teach about online safety
- helping children to be courageous advocates and stand up against injustice
- promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British Values
- offering pastoral support to vulnerable children or children who have worries
What happens if the school is concerned about a child?
If the school considers that a child may be at risk of radicalisation, extremism or terrorism we will work with a multi-agency team (this is called Channel). Support will be offered at an early stage following assessments.
KEY TERMS
- Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs Ideology – a set of beliefs
- Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support and be involved with extremist causes.
- Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause
Support for parents can be found here:
Support for parents can be found here: https://educateagainsthate.com/parents/
