Statutory guidance issued under section 29 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. 1. Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (the Act) places a duty on certain bodies (“specified authorities” listed in Schedule 6 to the Act), in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This guidance is issued under section 29 of the Act. The Act states that the authorities subject to the provisions must have regard to this guidance when carrying out the duty.

The Prevent strategy, published by the Government in 2011, is part of the overall counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. The aim of the Prevent strategy is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by stopping people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. In the Act this has simply been expressed as the need to “prevent people from being drawn into terrorism".

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.

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 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 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?

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

• Challenging prejudices and racist comments

• 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.

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.

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.  At Morpeth All Saints CE Aided First 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 and religious 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.   Where to go for more information.

Contact the school

If you have any questions or concerns about The Prevent Strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact us.

See our policies

You will find more details about radicalisation in our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy available on our website.

We also have information about British Values (SMSCD) available on our website too.

External sources

The following sources may also be useful for further information: