Radicalisation is the process by which people come to support terrorism or extremism and, in some cases, to then participate in extremist groups.  Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views that promote or advance an ideology based on violence, hatred, or intolerance.  The Prevent Duty sets out education’s role in safeguarding young people from radicalisation.

John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery has a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all school community members. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure the care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.

John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery is fully committed to safeguarding all staff and children from radicalisation.

• We take a risk-based approach taking into account local and national terrorism risk.
• All staff are trained in The Prevent Duty so they can recognise the signs of radicalisation and know how to share information and report concerns.
• We work in effective partnership with local Prevent co-ordinators, the Police and the Local Authority.

All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

• Children are encouraged to adopt and live out our Core Values. These complement the key “British Values” of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living.
• Children are helped to understand the importance of democracy and freedom of speech, through assemblies, discussion and elected School Council members.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, in and out of school (through the ongoing curriculum and when using the internet)
• Children participate in local community events so that they appreciate and value their neighbours and friends who may not share their faith background.
• Children’s wellbeing, confidence and resilience are promoted through our planned curriculum and extracurricular learning opportunities.
• Children are supported in making good choices from a very young age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others.

The Role of the Curriculum

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to express themselves through discussions, debates and consultations. The RE (Religious Education), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is embedded across the curriculum. Our Enrichment Programme focusses on a diverse range of cultural speakers and faiths and the children visit places of worship wherever possible.  Children are taught about how to stay safe when using the internet, and we regularly update our parents with tools to do this at home, working alongside our local Community Support Officers.

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at John Wilkinson Primary School and Nursery to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the region in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to refer any concerns to Designated Safeguarding Leads immediately.

Report suspicious activity to Counter Terrorism Policing:

https://act.campaign.gov.uk/

Useful Prevent Resources:

Parents Booklet on Prevent

Protecting children from radicalisation | Counter Terrorism Policing (actearly.uk)

Educate Against Hate website