Prevent Policy Statement

Holy Family Catholic Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. 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.

The main aims of this policy statement are to ensure that staff are fully engaged in being vigilant about radicalisation; that they overcome professional disbelief that such issues will not happen here and ensure that we work alongside other professional bodies and agencies to ensure that our pupils are safe from harm. The principle objectives are that:

• All Staff and Governors will have an understanding of what radicalisation and extremism are and why we need to be vigilant in school.

• All Staff and Governors will know what the school policy is on anti-radicalisation and extremism and will follow the policy when issues arise.

• All parents and pupils will know that the school has policies in place to keep pupils safe from harm and that the school regularly reviews its systems to ensure they are appropriate and effective.

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.

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Holy Family Catholic 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 appropriate channels (currently via the Designated Safeguarding Lead or Headteacher).

We believe that it is possible to intervene to protect people who are vulnerable. Early intervention is vital and staff must be aware of the established processes for front line professionals to refer concerns about individuals and/or groups. We must have the confidence to challenge, the confidence to intervene and ensure that we have strong safeguarding practices based on the most up-to-date guidance and best practice.

The Designated Lead for Child Protection and Safeguarding and the Headteacher will deal swiftly with any referrals made by staff or with concerns reported by staff.

The Headteacher will discuss the most appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis and will decide when a referral to external agencies is needed.

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. We are committed to ensuring that our pupils are offered a broad and balanced curriculum that aims to prepare them for life in modern Britain. 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 (Personal, Social and Health Education), RSHE (Relationships, Sexual and Health Education) provision is embedded across the curriculum, and underpins the ethos of the school.

Teaching the schools’ core values alongside the fundamental British values supports quality teaching and learning, whilst making a positive contribution to the development of a fair, just and civil society. 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.

The Governing Body of our School will undertake appropriate training to ensure that they are clear about their role and the parameters of their responsibilities as Governors, including their statutory safeguarding duties. The Governing Body will support the ethos and values of our school and will support the school in tackling extremism and radicalisation. In line with the provisions set out in the DfE guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023’ the governing body will challenge the school’s senior management team on the delivery of this policy and monitor its effectiveness. 

Through INSET opportunities in school, we will ensure that our staff are fully aware of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that are linked to radicalisation; are aware of the process of radicalisation and how this might be identified early on.

Links to other policies:

• Child Protection
• Anti-bullying policy
• Behaviour policy
• Computing and ICT policy

Any colleague with concerns will speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or the Headteacher. The concern will be logged and a timeline started. 

If you’re concerned someone you know is at risk of getting involved in terrorism or extremism, you can complete the Wigan National Prevent referral form:

Tell us if someone you know is at risk of getting involved in terrorism or extremism

If you would like to discuss your concerns before making a referral, you can:

• Contact the Prevent Team on 0161 856 6362
• Call anonymously on 0800 789 321
• Report online material promoting terrorism or extremism (external link).

If it is an emergency, please call 999.

Prevent Duty Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance

Channel Guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/channel-guidance

Educate against hate: https://www.educateagainsthate.com/radicalisation-and-extremism/

The Community Security Trust (external link) (CST) has published a number of resources on their social media feeds, including guidance (external link) on how to communicate about Israel in a non-antisemitic way. A host of other resources can be found on Protecting Our Jewish Community (external link). CST also has a national emergency number which should be used to report antisemitic attacks, alongside calling 999: 0800 032 3263.

Tell Mama is a confidential support service for those suffering from anti-Muslim hate and discrimination across the UK. Their website features a number of different ways to report anti-Muslim incidents, including via phone or WhatsApp: Report in Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia (external link). The site also hosts useful resources (external link), including on mosque security.