Prevent Strategy
As part of New Chapter Primary School’s ongoing safeguarding and child protection duties, we are fully behind the Government's Prevent Strategy.
From 1 July 2015 all schools are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the ‘Prevent Duty for Schools’.
At New Chapter we build pupils’ resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British Values and enabling our pupils to challenge extremist views. Many of the things we already do in school to help children to become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy. These include:
- Having strong aims and ethos which guide every decision we make
- Focusing on core values
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong positive self-identity
The statutory guidance refers to the importance of Prevent awareness training to equip staff to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism and to challenge extremist ideas. All staff have also completed online training on the Prevent Strategy.
What we do if there is a concern
If we have a concern about a particular pupil we will follow the school’s normal safeguarding
procedures, including discussing with the school’s Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead and Prevent Lead, Alice Hedges, or a member of the Safeguarding Team and, where deemed necessary, with children’s social care.
We may also contact the local police force or dial 101 (the non-emergency number). They can talk
to us in confidence about concerns and help us gain access to support and advice.
The Department for Education has dedicated a telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable staff
and governors to raise concerns relating to extremism directly. Concerns can also be raised by email
to counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk Please note that the helpline is not intended for use in
emergency situations, such as a child being at immediate risk of harm or a security incident. In an
emergency situation we will follow the recommended emergency procedures.
Channel
Channel is a multi-agency programme which provides support to individuals who are at risk of being drawn into terrorism. Channel provides a mechanism at an early stage, for assessing and supporting people who may be targeted / or radicalised by violent extremists.
Milton Keynes has an established Channel Panel. This meets on a monthly basis in a secure environment to discuss cases of concern.
Where appropriate, we would refer any causes for concern to this panel alongside Children's Social Care.
Your local Prevent team can be contacted on the Police non-emergency number 101 or email PreventReferrals@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk
Anonymous Anti-Terrorist Hotline 0800 789 321
For imminent threats contact the Police on 999
Useful Links
