PREVENT

At Longsands, we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our pupils. Our Prevent Strategy aims to prevemt individuals from being drawn inti terrorism or supporting extremist ideologies. We recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no differemt from safeguarding against any other vulnerability.

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.

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 pupils from extremist and violent views. Importantly, we aim to provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues, if required, so they better understand how to protect themselves.

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.

Prevent in Practice

All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental priniciples of British Values including;

• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Mutual Respect and Tolerance

The Prevent Duty (section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015) mandates that schools prevent individuals from being drawn into terrorism. Many of the ways in which we do this are part of our wider curriculum and our Longsands Values. These include;

• Exploring other cultures, religions and promoting diversity
• Challenging perjudices and racist language
• Developing critical thinking skills and a positive self-identity
• Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils, as well as British Values
• Staff having a professional curiosity and safe, trusting relationship with their pupils

Our staff receive regular training on recognising signs of possible radicalisation and extremism.

Our Risk Assessment outlines the measures in place to protect pupils from harm and reduce the risk of radicalisation for pupils attending Longsands. This includes specific understanding of how to identify individual pupils who may be at risk of radicalisation  and what to do to support them. Our Risk Assessment also outlines the robust safeguarding procedures in place to identify and intervene when concerns are raised by any member of the School Community. Measures in place are carefully considered under the following headings:

• Welfare and Safeguarding
• Curriculum and Learning
• Organisational Cultures
• Management of Premises
• Online Safety
• External Factors

Further information on Prevent

Advice & Guidance for Parents and Carers

If you require further information on Prevent or wish to discuss a concern, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead for Prevent, Ms C. Lang (Headteacher/ DSL) 01772 795676