The Prevent Strategy

Working in partnership with our parents.

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 groups and other causes.

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 protect them from drugs or gang violence. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues.

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 cannot access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils.

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 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 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.

KEY TERMS

• The Prevent Strategy.pdf

Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.

Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.

Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School has a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all school community members. We rely on our strong Catholic values to steer our work and ensure the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.

We at Sacred Heart Primary School are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its children. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

• Children are encouraged to adopt these key “British Values” of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living.

• Children are helped to understand the importance of democracy and freedom of speech, through the) assemblies and PSHE .

• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, in school and when using the internet.

• Children participate in local community events so that they appreciate and value their neighbours and friends who may not share their faith background.

• Children’s wellbeing, confidence and resilience are promoted through our planned curriculum and extra-curricular learning opportunities.

• Children are supported in making good choices from a very young age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others.

The following sources may also be useful for further information: