Radicalisation – The Prevent Agenda
The Prevent Lead at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College is Mr G McClarey and Miss K Mason. If you have any questions about our approach to The Prevent Agenda or what it is then he will be happy to discuss
What is the Prevent Strategy?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.
How does the Prevent Strategy Apply to Schools?
From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence. Importantly, we can provide a safe place for students to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves.
What Does This Mean In Practice?
Many of the things we already do in school to help children become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
These include:
- Exploring other cultures and religions and promoting diversity.
- Challenging prejudices and racist comments.
- Developing critical thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity.
- Promoting the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students, as well as British values such as democracy.
We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure that they cannot access extremist and terrorist material or by vetting visitors who come into school to work with students.