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.

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 English Martyrs, 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 English Martyrs 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, 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 world faith weeks, 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

Tel: 101 and ask for the Local Policing Team

You can also contact the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on Tel: 0800 789 321