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 political and religious extremism.

How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.

This means schools have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views, in the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.

Importantly, schools can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so that they better understand how to protect themselves.

What does this mean in practice?

Different schools will carry out the Prevent Duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community.

Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent Strategy.

At Hampton Hargate Primary School, we:

• Explore other cultures and religions and promote diversity
• Challenge prejudices and racist comments 
• Develop critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
• Promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of our pupils, as well as British values such as democracy
• Protect our children from the risk of radicalisation, such as using filters on the internet or vetting visitors who come into our school

How does Prevent relate to British Values?

Schools have been required to promote British Values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of the response to the Prevent Strategy.

British Values include:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty and mutual respect
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Is my child too young to learn about extremism?

The Prevent Strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect.

Schools should make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.

Is extremism a risk in this area?

Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and ideological extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others.

The intention is to give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.

External sources 

The following sources may also be useful for further information:

Revised prevent duty guidance for England and Wales, HM Government – view here

The Prevent duty: advice for schools and childcare providers, GOV.UK – DfE – view here

What is Prevent?, Let’s Talk About It – view here

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.