Prevent Duty Agenda
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 (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This is underpinned by the new duty in the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 ‘to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.’
This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Even when the extent of extremism in schools may be perceived to be low – it has a high impact. Keeping children safe from these risks is part of safeguarding and we approach it in the same way as safeguarding children from other risks.
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:
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
- Providing safe environments for discussing controversial issues
- Opportunities to express their views but appreciate the views of others
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy
We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by 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 pupils.
Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community. Prevention work can be seen within our RE and PSHE curriculum documents, bullying prevention and online safety focus.
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 children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.
The 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.
What is Channel?
Channel is a partnership approach to support individuals vulnerable to recruitment by violent extremists.
Channel provides advice and guidance around issues of violent extremism to senior managers and front line professionals. They assist in the ability to assess the nature and extent of vulnerability, need and risk around extremism; providing an appropriate support package to divert them away from potential threat at an early stage.
Extremism and Radicalisation Policy
Ash Grove Academy have a policy to safeguard pupils around extremism and radicalisation. This is available to view on the school website.
Further information
If you require further information there are the following sources of information:
Police online campaign: Prevent Tragedies
Families against Stress and Trauma: Families Matter
What to do if you have concerns
If you have concerns about a child who may be vulnerable please contact:
Cheshire East Consultation Service on
0300 123 5012
Further Contact Details:
Prevent Cheshire – 01606 362147
Cheshire Channel – 01606 365986
