Prevent

Prevent is one part of the government's counter-terrorism guidance. It can be found described in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

The Prevent Duty is the duty of those in authorities to keep people and communities safe from the threat of terrorism. It focuses on preventing people from being drawn into terrorist organisations or ideals.

All school staff have received Prevent training. This teaches us what the Prevent Duty is along with how to apply it in school. Staff are also taught how to spot the signs that a child or young person may be at risk of radicalisation, whether religious or political. We have clear guidance about what to do if we suspect a student is going through this to help keep them safe and supported.

In an attempt to combat radicalisation, British values are taught to children in UK schools. This is in response to the definition of terrorism as stated within the Prevent Duty Strategy.

This statement clarifies the four British values as:

Democracy
The rule of law
Individual liberty
Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Prevent Statement

St Gregory and St Patrick’s Catholic Infant School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. Every member of staff recognises that safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is no different to safeguarding against any other vulnerability in today’s society.

In St Gregory’s and St Patrick’s Catholic Infant School we promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development of all our pupils. Our curriculum promotes the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faith and beliefs.

Children are regularly taught about how to stay safe when using the internet and are encouraged to recognise that people are not always who they say they are online. They are taught to seek adult help if they are upset or concerned about anything they read or see on the internet.

As with other online risks of harm, teachers need to be aware of the risks posed by the online activity of extremist and terrorist groups and ensure children are aware and safe from this, when accessing the internet in school.

Our curriculum is broad and balanced; it promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to share their views and recognise that they are entitled to have their own different beliefs which should not be used to influence others.

Our HRSE provision is embedded across the curriculum and underpins the ethos of our school. It is recognised that children with low aspirations are more vulnerable to radicalisation and therefore we strive to equip our pupils with confidence, self-belief, respect and tolerance as well as setting high standards and expectations for themselves.

Our school is committed to prevention and strategies and procedures that protect vulnerable individuals from being radicalised or exposed to extremist views. If we identifying a pupil or member of our community who is or may be at risk, advice will be sought from Cumbria Safeguarding Hub and if necessary Cumbria Police/Prevent Officer.

The aims of our good practice Prevent statement is to ensure that staff are fully engaged in being vigilant about radicalisation; that they overcome professional disbelief that such issues will happen here and ensure that we work alongside other professional bodies and agencies to ensure that our pupils are safe from harm.