Preventing radicalisation
Children may be susceptible to extremist ideology and radicalisation. Similar to protecting children from other forms of harms and abuse, protecting children from this risk is a part of our safeguarding approach.
Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. This also includes calling for the death of members of the armed forces.
Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.
Terrorism is an action that endangers or causes serious violence to a person/people; causes serious damage to property; or seriously interferes or disrupts an electronic system. The use or threat must be designed to influence the government or to intimidate the public and is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause
The Prevent strategy, is part of a government counter- terrorism strategy the aim of which is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism. The Government's Prevent Duty Guidance can be found here.
At Abbots Ripton CE Primary School, staff are fully aware of the importance of the Prevent duty. They are aware of the procedures we have in place to mitigate the risk posed by radicalisation. These arrangements include:
- Assessing the risk of radicalisation
- The development of an action plan (see below)
- Staff training to enable recognition of radicalisation and understanding of risk
- Working in partnership with other agencies
- Understanding referral routes and possible interventions – enabling staff to implement their duty effectively
- A member of staff designated as Prevent lead who will oversee the school’s implementation of Prevent
Prevent duty is fully included in our Safeguarding Policy – reviewed and adopted by Governors annually. The lead member of staff for Prevent is Mrs Claire Matthews, Headteacher.
Are you worried about a child or young person?
Police forces across the country have specially trained Prevent officers who work with professionals in health, education, local authorities and charities, as well as faith and community groups to help vulnerable people move away from extremism. They are here to listen and offer help and advice. Receiving support is voluntary.
Friends and family are best placed to spot the signs, so trust your instincts and share your concerns in confidence.
They can help if you act early. You won’t be wasting police time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
To find out more about how to help someone close to you visit ACT Early.
The Government hosts an online reporting facility to report hate crimes committed against someone because of their disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. Hate crimes can include threatening behaviour, assault, robbery, damage to property, inciting others to commit hate crimes and harassment. It is always important to report a hate incident to the police so that it can be investigated and recorded. This helps build up a picture of what is going on locally. The police take hate crime very seriously and will record and investigate all offences, even those reported anonymously. To find out more or to report a concern visit Report It.