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 groups and other causes.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
Schools (as well as other organisations) have a legal duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we all have a responsibility to protect children from extremism and violent views the same way we protect them from other dangers. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to learn about and discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
These include:
- Ensuring ALL staff participate in Safeguarding training that is updated regularly and know what behaviours might indicate involvement in radicalisation and extremism.
- Ensuring ALL staff know what to do should they have concerns regarding safeguarding and this includes radicalisation and extremism.
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity.
- Challenging prejudices and racism.
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity.
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy.
At Great Coates Primary School we promote the Brist Values and this will continue to be a 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
