Hillside 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.
Our school is a place that inspires and engages young minds. Our school believes in democracy and the laws of the country, where every individual has a voice that is heard and respected, no matter what their faith or belief. Our school values discussion, debate and learning from and alongside others. 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.
In June 2015, the Department for Education (DfE) published new guidance on ‘The Prevent duty’ which prescribes new legal responsibilities on all schools in the UK. The aim of the Prevent duty is to reduce the threat to the UK from terrorism by preventing people of all ages from being drawn into terrorist activity. As part of a school's wider safeguarding duty, schools are responsible for protecting children from the risk of radicalisation.
The DfE’s guidance defines radicalisation as “the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism”. It defines extremism as “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”.
It is important to remember that these definitions do not only apply to one religious or political stand-point and can, in fact, apply to all political and religious stand-points that are imposed upon others, or oppose the fundamental British values, to extreme or fanatical levels.
For more information about the Prevent Strategy and other advice, click on the links below:
