The Prevent Duty

From 1st July 2015, the Prevent Duty (section 26) of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act came into force which places the responsibility on local authorities and schools to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This is known as the Prevent Duty.   

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism. Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

The staff and governors of St Michael’s are fully committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of all pupils. Our key aim is to protect all children, including those at the risk of radicalisation and extremism.

As a school, we will:

  • Ensure all staff are able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation
  • Ensure all staff are aware of how to refer a child under the Prevent Duty
  • Maintain up to date training for all staff, for example Home Office elearning
  • Ensure the DSLs undertake specialised Prevent awareness training
  • Promote and uphold the fundamental British values 
  • Educate pupils to develop their own spiritual, moral, social and cultural beliefs through our fiveyear Living Education curriculum
  • Celebrate the uniqueness of each individual
  • Ensure suitable internet filtering is in place
  • Educate pupils to stay safe online, both at home and at school
  • Follow the procedures set out in our safeguarding policy, and in line with Lancashire safeguarding and the Channel programme.

If you are concerned about a pupil, please contact school and ask to speak to one of our Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs).

Definitions

The following definitions create clarity when discussing radicalisation and extremism:

Ideology – a set of beliefs

Extremism – a 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

Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism

Terrorism – an action that endangers or causes serious violence damage or disruption and is intended to influence the Government or to intimidate the public and is made with the intention of advancing a political, religious or ideological cause

The full Government Prevent Strategy can be viewed at: Prevent Strategy

The Prevent Duty: Departmental Advice for schools and childcare providers can be viewed at: Prevent Duty

Linked policies: