The Prevent Duty
As part of our safeguarding ethos we encourage pupils to respect the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
We take every opportunity to offer a balanced presentation of opposing views to pupils.
Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.
Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.
There are a number of behaviours which may indicate a child is at risk of being radicalised or exposed to extreme views. These include;
Spending increasing time in the company of other suspected extremists.
Changing their style of dress or personal appearance to accord with the group.
Day-to-day behaviour becoming increasingly centred on an extremist ideology, group or cause.
Loss of interest in other friends and activities not associated with the extremist ideology, group or cause.
Possession of materials or symbols associated with an extremist cause.
Attempts to recruit others to the group/cause.
Communications with others that suggests identification with a group, cause or ideology.
Using insulting to derogatory names for another group.
Increase in prejudice-related incidents committed by that person – these may include;
physical or verbal assault
provocative behaviour
damage to property
derogatory name calling
possession of prejudice-related materials
prejudice related ridicule or name calling
inappropriate forms of address
refusal to co-operate
attempts to recruit to prejudice-related organizations
It is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the local area, city and society in which we teach.
Staff are reminded to suspend any ‘professional disbelief’ that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to be ‘professionally inquisitive’ where concerns arise, referring any concerns through the appropriate channels.
Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity amongst others. Children are encouraged to share their views and recognise that they are entitled to have their own different beliefs which should not be used to influence others.
Our PSHE provision is embedded across the curriculum. We strive to equip our pupils with confidence, self-belief, respect and tolerance as well as setting high standards and expectations for themselves.
Children are regularly taught about how to stay safe when using the internet and are encouraged to recognise that people are not always who they say they are online. They are taught to seek adult help if they are upset or concerned about anything they read or see on the internet.
As a community school we are committed to the development of community cohesion.
Prevent Strategy
As part of Livingstone’s commitment to safeguarding and child protection we fully support the government’s Prevent Strategy.
What is the Prevent Strategy?
The Prevent Strategy is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It:
responds to the ideological challenge we face from terrorism and aspects of extremism, and the threat we face from those who promote these views
provides practical help to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and ensure they are given appropriate advice and support
works with a wide range of sectors (including education, criminal justice, faith, charities, online and health).