The government has published guidance for authorities, including schools, on their responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, which came into effect on 1 July 2015.

Under the Act, schools and other authorities have a duty to “have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

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, violent Islamist groups and other causes.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

Since July 2015, all schools (as well as other organisations) have had 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 other dangers.  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.

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 pupils. Different schools will carry out the Prevent Duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community. 

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 the 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 as tolerance and mutual respect.  The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved. 

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 threat in one area than another.  We will aim to develop children’s own skills to protect themselves from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

Recognising Extremism

Signs of extremism 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 the television or on the internet.
• Allow and encourage debate and questions about the world.
• Encourage your child to think about e-safety at home.

Where to go for more information

Contact the School

You will find more details about Prevent in our Safeguarding Policy, which is available on the school website. If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact school.

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-duty-guidance

Educate against Hate

https://educateagainsthate.com/about/