Prevent
This page provides parents and carers with information about the Prevent Duty and how it is implemented at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School. Further information will be shared through newsletters throughout the year.
At Our Lady of the Rosary, the Prevent agenda is embedded within our curriculum, school culture and safeguarding procedures. We view it as an important part of promoting the safety, wellbeing and personal development of all children.
Mrs Musarurwa is our Prevent Lead and coordinates this work as part of her safeguarding responsibilities. She is also the school's Single Point of Contact (SPOC) for Prevent and can be contacted on 0117 903 0025 if you wish to discuss or report any concerns.
Our local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) work closely with the school and regularly deliver age-appropriate sessions for pupils, including:
- Year 3 and 4: Stranger Danger
- Year 5: Talking to Strangers Online
- Year 6: Sharing Images Online
Prevent Duty Statement
On 1 July 2015, Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This legislation places a duty on schools and local authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism or extremist activity.
This duty covers all forms of radicalisation and extremism, including, but not limited to, Islamist extremism, far-right extremism and other forms of extremist ideology.
At Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of every child. We recognise that protecting children from radicalisation is just as important as protecting them from any other form of harm or vulnerability.
What is the Prevent Duty?
Prevent is part of the Government's wider counter-terrorism strategy. Its aim is to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist causes.
At Our Lady of the Rosary, we believe this work also involves helping children develop positive Habits of Mind, resilience and critical-thinking skills so that they grow into confident, respectful and responsible members of society who are less vulnerable to extremist influences.
The Prevent Duty addresses all forms of extremism, including:
- Far-right extremism
- Violent Islamist extremism
- Other extremist ideologies that may seek to influence vulnerable individuals
How Does the Prevent Duty Apply to Schools?
Since July 2015, all schools have had a legal duty to help safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.
This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist influences in the same way that we protect them from risks such as drugs, criminal exploitation or gang involvement. This forms part of our wider safeguarding commitment.
Schools are also uniquely placed to provide safe environments where children can ask questions, discuss challenging issues and learn how to evaluate information critically. We believe it is important that pupils feel secure in exploring different viewpoints while developing respect for others and confidence in their own values.
What Does This Mean in Practice?
Many of the activities and values already embedded within school life contribute directly to our Prevent responsibilities. These include:
- Exploring different cultures, religions and traditions.
- Promoting diversity, inclusion and equality.
- Challenging prejudice, discrimination and stereotypes.
- Developing positive Habits of Mind and strong self-identity.
- Promoting children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
- Teaching and modelling British Values, including democracy and mutual respect.
We also take practical steps to protect children from extremist content and influences by:
- Using appropriate internet filtering and monitoring systems.
- Vetting visitors and external providers working with pupils.
- Following robust safeguarding and reporting procedures.
- Providing staff with regular Prevent training and guidance.
The way schools implement the Prevent Duty will vary depending on the age of pupils and the needs of their local community.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Prevent relate to British Values?
Schools have been required to promote British Values since 2014, and this remains an important aspect of Prevent.
British Values include:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
These values help children become responsible, respectful and active citizens within modern Britain.
Isn't my child too young to learn about extremism?
Prevent is not primarily about discussing extremism directly with young children. Instead, it focuses on teaching important values such as kindness, respect, tolerance, critical thinking and staying safe.
Any discussions related to safeguarding and Prevent are always carefully planned to be age-appropriate and suitable for children's level of understanding.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. While particular risks may vary from one area to another, children may encounter harmful views and misinformation both online and offline.
Our aim is to equip pupils with the knowledge, confidence and critical-thinking skills they need to recognise and challenge extremist messages wherever they may encounter them.
Key Terms
Extremism
Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Ideology
A set of beliefs, values or ideas that shape the way people understand and interpret the world.
Terrorism
The use or threat of serious violence against people or property to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause.
Radicalisation
The process through which an individual comes to support extremist views, behaviours or ideologies that may lead to harmful actions.