Preventing Radicalisation and Extremism
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.
The statutory guidance refers to the importance of Prevent awareness training to equip staff to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism and to challenge extremist ideas. The Home Office has developed core training for this purpose which our staff and some governors have accessed. Senior Leaders at the school have also completed Prevent training as part of Designated Safeguarding Lead training.
At Medway, we build pupils’ resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British values and enabling our pupils to challenge extremist views.
New Prevent website aimed at traditionally hard to reach relatives
The national online safeguarding hub ActEarly.uk stresses to family and friends the importance of acting early on concerns they may have about a loved one in order to save lives.
At a time when people are so focussed on protecting their own and others’ physical health, remember to also pay close attention to the psychological and emotional wellbeing of their loved ones, and report any signs of extreme behaviour sooner rather than later.
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Action Counters Terrorism
Is someone close becoming a stranger?
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Protecting children from radicalisation: the prevent duty
Guidance for schools and childcare providers on preventing children and young people from being drawn into terrorism.
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Educate Against Hate parents hub
Messages of hate can take many forms. Extremist groups use them to recruit young people. Parents can find answers to common questions and resources to help protect your child below.
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Staying Safe Online
Unfortunately, whilst rare, there are negative influencers and online groomers who use the internet, social media and online gaming to spread their extreme ideas, which children can be exposed to. Some of these ideas may be considered radical or extreme and when a person starts to support or be involved in them, this is called radicalisation.
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If you’ve seen or heard something that could potentially be related to terrorism, trust your instincts and report it. Your actions could save lives.
It only takes a moment to make a report online. In an emergency, or if you need urgent police assistance, you should always dial 999. You can also report suspicious activity by contacting the police in confidence on 0800 789 321. Every year thousands of reports from the public help the police keep communities safe from terrorism.