Prevent
Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School is committed to providing a secure environment for pupils, where learners feel safe and are kept safe
Dame Elizabeth Cadbury School is committed to providing a secure environment for pupils, where learners feel safe and are kept safe. All adults at DECS recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility irrespective of the role they undertake or whether their role has direct contact or responsibility for learners or not. In adhering to this policy, and the procedures therein, staff and visitors will contribute to DECS delivery of the outcomes to all learners, as set out in s10 (2) of the Children’s Act 2004. This Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Safeguarding Policy is one element within our overall arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of all learners in line with our statutory duties set out at s175 of the Education Act 2002. ‘The physical mental health and emotional well-being of children; the protection of children from harm and neglect; the education, training and recreation of children; the contribution made by them to society; and their social and economic well-being’.
Our school’s Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation Safeguarding Policy also draws upon the guidance contained in the DfE publication “Keeping Children Safe in Education, September 2016”, and specifically DCSF Resources “Learning Together to be Safe, “Prevent: Resources Guide”, “Tackling Extremism in the UK”, DfE’s “Teaching Approaches that help build resilience to Extremism among Young People” and Peter Clarke’s Report of July 2014. ‘The physical mental health and emotional well-being of children; the protection of children from harm and neglect; the education, training and recreation of children; the contribution made by them to society; and their social and economic well-being’.
Understanding
All governors, teachers, teaching assistants and non-teaching staff will have an understanding of what radicalisation and extremism is and why we need to be vigilant in school.
Dangers
All pupils will understand the dangers of radicalisation and exposure to extremist views; building resilience against these and knowing what to do if they experience them.
Policy
All governors, teachers, teaching assistants and non-teaching staff will know what the school policy is on tackling extremism and radicalisation and will follow the policy guidance swiftly when issues arise.
Communication
All parents/carers 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.
Accepted Governmental Definition
When operating this policy DECS uses the following accepted Governmental definition of extremism which is:
‘Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs; and/or calls for the death of members in our armed forces, whether in this country or oversees’.
There is NO place for Extremist Views
There is no place for extremist views of any kind in our school, whether from internal, sources – pupils, staff or governors, or external sources – school community, external agencies or individuals. Our pupils see our school as a safe place where they can explore controversial issues safely and where our teachers encourage and facilitate this – we have a duty to ensure this happens.
As a school we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for pupils and so should be addressed as a safeguarding concern as set out in this policy. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views we are failing to protect our pupils.
As a school we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for pupils and so should be addressed as a safeguarding concern as set out in this policy. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views we are failing to protect our pupils.
Extremists of all persuasions aim to develop destructive relationships between different communities by promoting division, fear and mistrust of others based on ignorance or prejudice and thereby limiting the life chances of young people. Education is a powerful weapon against this; equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and critical thinking to challenge and debate in an informed way.
Therefore at DECS we will provide a broad and balanced curriculum so that our pupils are enriched, understand and become tolerant of difference and diversity and also to ensure that they thrive, feel valued and not marginalised.
Furthermore at DECS we are aware that young people can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views from an early age which emanate from a variety of sources and media, including via the internet and at times pupils may themselves reflect or display views that may be discriminatory, prejudiced or extremist, including using derogatory language. As part of our whole school e-safety programme we highlight the potential risks pupils may face in relation to on-line radicalisation and encourage students to report any concerns they may have for themselves or other students to a member of staff.
Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by pupils or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in line with our Code of Conduct for staff.
