Prevent
Prevent Duty
As part of St. Matthew’s commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils, we, as a school recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability.
From 1 July 2015 all schools are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the Prevent Duty for Schools.
We believe we can build resilience to radicalisation by promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils as well as the fundamental British values within our school life and curriculum.
Prevent Strategy
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.
Educate Against Hate – https://educateagainsthate.com/
This is an important government website that provide advice and information about protecting children from extremism and radicalisation. Please note the poster in the staff corridor.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
From July 2015 all schools 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.
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. However, it is about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss any issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
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 the school.
Link to the Lancashire Safeguarding Board - Prevent info http://www.preventforschools.org/?category_id=38
Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales
New Prevent website https://actearly.uk/
