The Prevent Strategy
WHAT IS THE PREVENT STRATEGY?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people supporting any extreme cause or becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist 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 have a duty to safeguard young people from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect young people from extremism and violent views the same way we keep them safe through E-safety or protect them from drugs.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place to discuss these issues so they learn how to protect themselves.
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children, it is about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.
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.
We will also protect young people 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 who comes into school to work with pupils.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN AT OUR SCHOOL?
Many of the things we already do at St James CE Primary Academy, including the clear teaching of our ethos and values, help our children become positive, happy members of society. Our curriculum and a variety of school activities also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
At St James CE Primary Academy we:
- Challenge prejudices and any racist comments
- Learn about a variety of religions through our RE teaching
- Develop a strong, positive, self-esteem for all pupils
- Promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils
- Promote British values such as democracy through our school council
Action Counters Terrorism – It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves of others. Working with other organisations, the police protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists through a Home Office programme called Prevent.
ACT have set up a website https://actearly.uk/ to enable you to tell them your concerns in confidence.