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 right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

From July 2015 all schools have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism - to protect them from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from other harm. Importantly, we can and do provide a safe place for pupils to discuss issues that face society so they better understand how to protect themselves. 

The Prevent Duty 2023

What does this mean in practice?

The ethos of PRIDE is central to our school and many of the things we already do in school help our children become positive, happy members of not only the school community but wider society - this ethos along with our work on British Values helps contribute to the Prevent strategy. 

Our approach in school helps children:

• Explore other cultures and religions whilst promoting diversity and tolerance

• Challenge all prejudice

• Develop critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity

• Promotes the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils

We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by employing robust filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with them. We carry out our Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of our community. 

Parent / Carer guide to Prevent:

Contents include:

• what Prevent is
• definitions and key terms
• ways to start difficult conversations
• signs and indicators that a young person may be susceptible to radicalisation
• how to raise concerns about a child or young person who may have been radicalised

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 and mutual respect
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Find out more about British Values at Riddings Junior School 

Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?

The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself it is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. Our 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 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

Tackling online extremism

The internet and social media provide opportunities for those with extreme views to target young or vulnerable individuals.

Communities have an important part to play and can anonymously report illegal extremist information, whatever its source, pictures or videos you have found on the internet.

If you would like to report extremist content you’ve seen online you can do so by clicking the button below.

If you would like to discuss how to keep you child safe from extremism or would like any support, please contact Mr Cates.