PREVENT
PREVENT Strategy and British Values
British Values/ Prevent Strategy
What is the Prevent Strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. It covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right-wing, violent Islamist groups, and other causes.
If you:
- Become aware of an individual you feel is vulnerable to radicalisation
- Suspect someone is being radicalised or encouraged to support terrorism
- Are experiencing pressure from others about this
Any of the following can provide advice and support:
Immediate threat
- Call 999 in an emergency if you need police assistance.
All Prevent Referrals:
Lancashire Prevent Team:
- For support, advice, training and all other enquiries relating to Prevent or Channel, please contact:
- Tel: – 01772 413398
- The police non-emergency number 101
- Anti-terrorism hotline 0800 789 321
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
Since July 2015, all schools have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views, just as we protect them from drugs or gang violence. Importantly, we provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the activities we already do in our school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy. These include:
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity and tolerance
- Challenging prejudices and racist comments
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of pupils, as well as British values such as democracy
We also protect children from the risk of radicalisation by using internet filters to block extremist and terrorist material and by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils. We carry out our Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of our community.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 our response to the Prevent strategy. British values include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty and mutual respect
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Isn’t 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. Our school ensures that any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious, and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others. We give children the skills to protect themselves from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
KEY TERMS
- Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
- Ideology – a set of beliefs
- Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious, or ideological cause
- Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism
Please click here for our PREVENT policy
Please click here for Singleton School’s PREVENT statement
Additional information for parents