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 far-right wing and extreme Islamist groups.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools and parents?
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 extremism and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. However, it is about teaching children the British Values such as Rule of Law, Democracy, Individual Liberty , Tolerance and Mutual respect.
We do many age appropriate things in school to help students become positive, happy members of society, which also contributes to the Prevent Strategy. These include:
- Exploring other cultures, religions and promoting diversity; Challenging prejudices and racists comments;
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity; Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students, as well as British values such as democracy.
- Staff being aware of the vulnerable pupils within their cohort. We also aim to protect students from the risk of radicalisation, for example, 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 students
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss any issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
Children are spending more time than ever on social media and gaming platforms so it is no surprise that online grooming by extremists is on the rise. Young people are especially being targeted by groups and individuals promoting violence and hatred.
Helping your child be digitally savvy and knowing the signs of radicalisation will help keep them safe and protect them from potential risks.
Netmums have partnered with Counter Terrorism Policing to highlight their safeguarding website, ACT Early, which is for parents, friends and families who are concerned about loved ones at risk of radicalisation. https://www.netmums.com/act-early
You want your child to be happy and healthy and that means you already know the places you can get help and advice if they’re not well or are struggling at school. Support is also there if you’re worried your child is being radicalised or exploited by extremists. https://actearly.uk/
Educate Against Hate:
https://www.educateagainsthate.com/parents/
A guide to PREVENTing Extremism and Radicalisation
Should I be worried?
Incidents of extremism and radicalisation are rare, but it is important to be aware about
what can be done if you have concerns. As with all safeguarding issues, it is important to
be vigilant and not complacent, but also not to panic. This will give you the information
you need to make an informed decision and help to safeguard your child.
What is extremism and radicalisation?
Prevent defines extremism as: “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values,
including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance
of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the
death of members of our armed forces” Radicalisation is defined by the UK Government
within this context, as “the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and
extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.”
At Valley View, we help all our children to recognise the wonderfully diverse world that we
live in and to celebrate the similarities and differences between individuals, cultures and
communities. Exploring religious and different social beliefs, in a peaceful and non-violent
way, is part of growing up and should not be confused with something more sinister. The
best way to PREVENT extremism and radicalisation is by open discussion and increased
understanding of each other.
What can I do as a parent/carer to help my child?
You know your child better than anybody else. Having open and honest conversations on
a regular basis will allow your child to explore new ideas in a safe environment. Talk to
your child about their online viewing. Social media, such as YouTube and Tik Tok, can be
used to groom children towards a certain point of view. Discuss different points of view
concerning topics in the news, modelling that there is always more than one point of view.
Encourage your child to take an active part in their local community. This could be part of
a sports club, social group or through volunteering. Getting out, meeting and talking to
people around you helps to understand diversity and become part of a community.
What is Valley View doing to PREVENT extremism and radicalisation?
All members of staff within our school have received specific PREVENT training. Children
explore ideas of community, belonging and tolerance through our RE and PSHE
curriculum (SCARF Scheme), as well as through our assemblies. We actively promote
and reinforce our school ethos, British Values and protected characteristics with our
children in all that we do. Specific cultural events, including our culture week, offer further
opportunities to understand and celebrate different faiths, cultures and communities.
Issues in local, national and world news are discussed, when appropriate, with the
children in an age appropriate and open fashion, allowing children to discuss and explore
different points of view and ideas. Our safeguarding procedures reflect the statutory
requirements in section 26 of the Government’s Counter-Terrorism and Security Act
2015.
Who should I contact if I have a concern?
For high risk PREVENT enquiries or emergencies – Tel: 999
For low risk or non-emergencies, speak to the school’s Designated Safeguarding
Lead on 0191 4893143
Tel: 101 and ask for the Local Policing Team
You can also contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on Tel: 0800 789 321
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 young people values such as tolerance and mutual respect. The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the students involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these are a bigger threat in our area than others. Our aim is to give students the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
Where to go for more information.
Contact the school: If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent Strategy, and what it means to your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school office on 0191 4893143 in the first instance.
External sources:
The following sources may also be useful for further information:
Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales, HM Government
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
Terrorism – a violent reaction against people or property, designed to create fear and advance apolitical, religious or ideological cause.
Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism.
