Prevent Duty Statement for Hatch Warren Junior School

“From 1 July 2015 all schools, registered early years childcare providers and registered later years childcare providers 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.”

The Prevent Duty – Departmental advice for school and childcare providers June 2015

The Prevent Duty

Our prevent duty, is carried out following the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which legally requires us to take steps to prevent pupils from being drawn into terrorism. We take this duty seriously and carry out the four main actions responsibly, namely:

• risk assessment,

• working in partnership,

• staff training

• If we assess a child as at risk, we will refer to the Channel Programme, which focuses on providing support at an early stage to people who are identified as being vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.

   

   

  In terms of training, staff have received training to familiarise them with the Prevent Duty.

   

  In terms of internet safety, we ensure suitable filters are in place to keep children away from extremist materials, in keeping with Hampshire guidelines.

   

  Hatch Warren Junior School ensures that it recognises its responsibility to support the aims of the Government strategy to promote those values identified as British and educate children to be resilient to radicalisation and extremism of all kinds. At Hatch Warren we have identified radicalisation and extremism as mindsets which negate the human rights of others to live in a world where we are at peace with each other, are safe in our homes and beyond and do not inflict our world view on others through terrorism or subjugation. We encourage the open debate of controversial subjects to develop the children’s understanding and to engender a healthy sense of self and their relationship with and responsibility towards the wider world. To be both effective and lawful, we must meet specific legal duties including those arising from the ‘Prevent Duty’. In support of the ‘Prevent Duty’ we have enshrined in our school ethos and practice values identified as British. These are:

• democracy

• the rule of law

• individual liberty and mutual respect

• tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

   

  These values are fundamental in helping all children become compassionate, considerate adults who form part of a fair and equal society to help everyone live in safe and welcoming communities where they feel they belong. Hatch Warren Junior School shares these values and works to ensure that they are understood and applied by all staff, volunteers and where appropriate, parents.

  We ensure:

• children’s personal, social and emotional development, ensuring children learn right from wrong, mix and share with other children, value other’s views, know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and challenge negative attitudes and stereotypes

• that we are alert to harmful behaviours by influential adults in the child’s life. This may include discriminatory and/or extremist discussions between parents, family and/or staff members

• that we take action when we observe behaviour of concern

• that we are able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalization, and know what to do when they are identified

• that we assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism, and work in partnership with local partners such as the Police, Prevent Coordinators and Hampshire Safeguarding, to take account of local risks and respond appropriately

• that we make referrals to the Hampshire Safeguarding Team, if there are concerns that an individual may be vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism or extremism

• that we assess staff training needs in relation to ‘Prevent Duty’

   

  This statement will be reviewed and amended according to changes and updates in Government legislation and expectation of schools. We are committed to the safeguarding and wellbeing of children and staff and are accountable for any shortfall in this duty of care.

   

  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 designated safeguarding lead, and where deemed necessary, with children’s social care.  We recognise that we play a vital role in keeping children safe from harm, including from the risks of extremism and radicalisation, and in promoting the welfare of children in our care. More details can be found in the Prevent Duty policy; a copy of this document can be found on the school website in the policies section.