The
Ferrars AcademyPrevent
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 the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.
How the Prevent strategy applies to schools?
From 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.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with pupils. We are also responsible for challenging prejudiced or extreme opinions and behaviour.
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. The school will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.
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
What can I do to help?
You can help by supporting the Academy in promoting the four fundamental British values. It is likely that you are already encouraging your child to understand these values during everyday life. Below are some examples that may help you to see how:
- Encourage your child to take turns and share with siblings and family friends.
- Encourage them to listen to the view of others
- Help your child to be aware of rules in different places and to understand why we have the rules e.g. why they need to shut the gate when visiting the farm, why we put rubbish in the bin at the park or why we pay for toys in the toy shop.
- Encourage your child to be proud of who they are, what they believe in and the things that they celebrate.
- Encourage your child to be interested in the beliefs and celebrations of others. You can help them to understand that other people may do things differently to them and that this is okay.