Prevent

Prevent

 

What is Prevent? 

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? 

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 other dangers.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.

What are we doing at Delph Side? 

We have six Designated Safeguarding Leads at Delph Side.  Miss Hains is our designated Prevent Lead and Thomas Hedderick is our Prevent Link Governor. 

All staff receive annual Prevent training and we regularly remind staff of the Prevent strategy during safeguarding briefings. 

Our pupils receive a broad and balanced curriculum which incorporates exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity. We challenge any prejudice or racist comments. 

We develop critical thinking skills to ensure that our pupils have a strong positive self-identity. 

During assemblies & classroom discussions, we discuss world issues in an age appropriate manner. 

Weekly JIGSAW & Heart Smart sessions in each class help to promote the social, moral, social and cultural development of all pupils. 

In November we welcomed Jackie Williams from NEST into school to deliver workshops to each class based on Hate Crime Awareness. 

In February, we marked Safer Internet Day with a whole school assembly and age-appropriate activities in each class. 

Where can parents get more information?

https://educateagainsthate.com/parents/

https://parentinfo.org/article/preventing-violent-extremism-what-parents-can-do 

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 & mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths & 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 a 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 

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 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.