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 and young people from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect our students from extremist and violent views. Importantly, we aim to provide a safe place for students to discuss these issues, if required, so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of these things we already do in school to help students become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent Strategy. These include:
- Exploring other cultures, religions and promoting diversity;
- Challenging prejudices and racists comments;
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity;
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students, as well as British values such as democracy. Staff being aware of the vulnerable pupils within their cohort.
We also aim to protect students from the risk of radicalisation, for example, using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with students.
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
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent Strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching young people values such as tolerance and mutual respect. The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the students involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these are a bigger threat in our area than others. Our aim is to give students the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
Where to go for more information
Contact the school: If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent Strategy, and what it means to your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school office on 020 8959 8881 in the first instance.
External Sources
The following sources may also be useful for further information:
Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales, HM Government
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 reaction against people or property, designed to create fear and advance apolitical, religious or ideological cause.
- Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism.