Preventing Radicalisation & Extremism

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. The Prevent Duty sets out education’s role in safeguarding young people from radicalisation.

Bowbrook Primary School has a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all school community members. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.

Bowbrook Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding all staff and children from Radicalisation. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability.

We take a risk based approach taking into account local and national terrorism risk
All staff are trained in The Prevent Duty so they can recognise the signs of radicalisation and know how to share information and report concerns.
We work in effective partnership with local Prevent co-ordinators, the Police and Local Authority.

Two Designated Safeguarding Leads are ‘Channel’ trained. Channel is a multi-agency, voluntary programme which safeguards people identified as being vulnerable to radicalisation. A referral can come from anyone who is concerned about a person they think is at risk.

At Bowbrook Primary School, all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and we have an action plan in place to ensure that all of these areas are covered by the children in school.

• Children are encouraged to adopt and live out our Core Values. These complement the key “British Values” of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living.
• Children are helped to understand the importance of democracy and freedom of speech, through PSHE, assemblies and every day interactions within the classroom.
• Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, in and out of school through the ongoing curriculum and when using the internet.
• Children participate in local community events so that they appreciate and value their neighbours and friends who may not share their faith background.
• Children’s wellbeing, confidence and resilience is promoted through our planned curriculum and extra-curricular learning opportunities.
• Children are supported in making good choices from a very young age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others.

The Role of the Curriculum

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to express themselves through discussions, debates and consultations. The RE (Religious Education), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), Citizenship and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is embedded across the curriculum. Children learn about all major faiths and visit places of worship wherever possible. We also invite representatives from different religions into school to talk to the children and have regular assemblies on different faiths. Children are taught how to stay safe when using the internet and we give the parents practical advice about this to use at home too.

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Bowbrook Primary School to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the region in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to refer any concerns through the Child Protection/ Safeguarding Lead Teachers.

Prevent leaflet for parents and carers