Prevent Duty

St Stephen’s Catholic Primary School recognises that pupils can be vulnerable to extremist ideology and radicalisation, and we are committed to protecting pupils from this risk as part of our safeguarding responsibilities.

Our commitment to safeguarding pupils against extremism, radicalisation and terrorism includes interventions and collaboration with other agencies including the police and the LA where appropriate and as required.

We support and will adhere to guidance from the DfE which requires schools to actively promote fundamental British values in order to enable pupils to challenge extremist views and ensure that pupils are encouraged to regard people of all faiths, races and cultures with respect and tolerance.

As a part of our curriuclum, children are given the opportunity to explore the issues of diversity within Britain’s multi-cultural society. Our children are able to discuss such issues as tolerance and respect for people with different views and beliefs. This is explicitly referenced in our personal, social and health education curriculum.

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation is:

• The term used to describe someone being drawn into terrorism.
• A process by which an individual adopts increasingly extreme political, social or religious ideals and aspirations that reject or undermine the status quo.
• Driven by a belief which supports violence.
• An issue which should be treated as part of a school’s wider safeguarding duties.
• Not only in reference to religious terrorism, but also in terms of political activism, such as extremist animal rights groups.

 Warning signs

• Accessing extremist material online
• Drawing graffiti or artwork which promotes extremist messages or symbols
• Changing their behaviour or friendship group
• Changing their religious practice
• Becoming religiously/culturally isolated
• Travelling to or residing in foreign countries, particularly conflict zones
• Participating in political activism
• Having negative peer influences
• Demonstrating risk-taking behaviour
• Dramatically changing their appearance
• Wearing clothing/logos associated with extremist groups
• Voicing extremist opinions
• Using terms to exclude others (creating a sense of ‘them and us’)
• Using language which incites violence or promotes intolerance
• Becoming psychologically isolated from their family

Reporting concerns

Our Prevent Duty policy outlines the process for reporting concerns of radicalisation.

The lead Prevent Officer in school is Miss Bedworth – Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

The deputy lead Prevent Officer in school is Mr Hatton  – Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL)