Extremism is defined in the 2023 Prevent strategy as vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.
Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.
British Values are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
Terrorism is an action that endangers or causes serious violence to a person/people; causes serious damage to property; or seriously interferes or disrupts an electronic system. The use or threat must be designed to influence the government or to intimidate the public and is made for the purpose of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause.
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.
As a school we have due regard to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. In order to protect children in our care, we must be alert to any reason for concern in the child's life at home or elsewhere.
Staff are trained to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know what to do when they are identified. Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation is part of our safeguarding duties.
As a school we build our children's resilience to radicalisation by promoting British Values and how to challenge extreme views. Developing children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is at the centre of all we do. Our school is a safe space where they can understand the risks associated with extreme views and develop knowledge and skills to challenge these views. We are aware of the increased risk of online radicalisation and teach our children how to keep themselves safe online. We have suitable filtering systems in place to ensure that children are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet in school.
Our PSHE and Relationship curriculum enables children to explore sensitive issues and equips them with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage difficult situations. They are taught ways to recognise and manage risk, make safe choices, and recognise when pressure from others threatens their own wellbeing.