Prevent information

What is Prevent?

Prevent is about safeguarding people and communities from the threat of terrorism.

Prevent is one of four strands of the government's counter-terrorism strategy, known as Contest. It was created by the Labour government in 2003 and its remit was widened by the coalition government in 2011.

The other strands are: Prepare; Protect; and Pursue.

Prevent is designed to support people at risk of joining extremist groups and carrying out terrorist activities.

In practice, it aims for police and other organisations to build relations across the UK and requires faith leaders, teachers, doctors and others to refer any suspicions about people to a local Prevent body. An assessment is then made about whether further action is needed.

 

What is radicalisation?

It is when a person starts to support terrorism or forms of extremism that leads to terrorism.

  • They are usually 13 years old or upwards but not always.
  • They may have a personality or identity crisis.
  • They may have unmet aspirations or have a personal crisis.
  • They may have a need for adventure or excitement.
  • They may feel that their culture or religion is under threat.
  • Individuals may feel socially isolated or suffering depression.
  • They may demonstrate criminal behaviour.
  • They may be groomed by others who promise them excitement, glory or freedom.

 

What are the signs?

  • Overly sensitive about online viewing.
  • Feeling isolated or expressions of “us and them” mentality.
  • Becoming more argumentative or domineering in their viewpoint – quick to condemn those who disagree with their opinions.
  • Downloading extremism content.
  • Social isolation – especially if they had been social previously.
  • Abnormal routines or travel patterns.
  • Altered appearance.

Prevent Statement

There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our school, whether from internal sources- pupils,staff,visiting adults, governors or external sources- school community, external agencies or individuals.

Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by pupils, staff, visitors or parents will always be challenged and where appropriate, dealt with. Where misconduct by a teacher is proven, the matter will be referred to the National College for Teaching and Leadership for their consideration. Misconduct by other staff will be dealt with under normal school disciplinary procedures.

We encourage pupils to respect the fundamental British values of: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. We ensure that partisan political views are not promoted in the teaching of any subjects in the school and where political issues are brought to the attention of the pupils, reasonably practicable steps are taken to offer a balance presentation of opposing views the pupils.

 

WRAP Training

As part of our on going development WRAP (Workshop to Raise Awareness of Prevent) training is given to our staff. Katie Mason, Sam Kenny and Matt Sadler are accredited WRAP trainers and attend regular update sessions from the Home Office.

WRAP Training

 

The Federation of Boldmere Schools is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. 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.

On 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty (section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty places the responsibility on local authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

As part of Federation of Boldmere Schools' commitment to safeguarding and child protection, we fully support the government's Prevent Strategy.