Prevent Duty Policy Statement (2019-2020)
Date agreed: December 2019.
Date of next review: July 2020.
Approved by: Elena Vlasenko (School Director)
Introduction
Pushkin’s School is committed to providing a secure environment for pupils, where children feel safe and are kept safe. All staff recognise that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility irrespective of the role they undertake. Safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is no different to safeguarding against any other vulnerability. This policy sets out the school’s beliefs, strategies and procedures to protect vulnerable individuals from being radicalised or exposed to extremist views, by identifying who they are and promptly providing them with support.
This policy has been written regarding the following guidance:
Aims and Principles
This policy is intended to provide a framework for dealing with issues relating to vulnerability, radicalisation and exposure to extremist views. Pushkin’s School aims to ensure that all members of staff:
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understand what radicalisation and extremism is;
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are fully engaged in being vigilant regarding radicalisation;
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understand the dangers of radicalisation and exposure to extremist views and know what to do when they experience them; and
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are familiar with this policy and follow its guidance when issues arise.
Definitions
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.
Indicators
As part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities all staff must be alert to:
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disclosures made by pupils of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside of school, such as their homes or community groups;
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parental reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance;
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pupils voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies and narratives;
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the use of extremist terms to exclude others or incite violence;
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any intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious, or discriminatory views on gender, disability, homophobia, race, colour or culture;
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any attempt to impose extremist views or practices on others.
Children and 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 the internet. At times they may reflect or display views that may be discriminatory, prejudiced or extremist. Any prejudice, derogatory language, discrimination or extremist views displayed by pupils or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in line with our Pupil and Staff Code of Conduct.
Procedure for Referrals
Although no incidents involving radicalisation have occurred at Pushkin’s School to date, it is important for staff to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about prevent duty. Staff must intervene when necessary to protect people who are vulnerable. Early intervention is vital, and staff must be aware of the established processes to refer concerns about individuals. Staff should have the confidence to challenge, to intervene and to ensure that strong safeguarding practices are in place based on the most up-to-date guidance and best practice.
The School Director, School Manager and School Administrator are the Child Protection Leads at Pushkin’s School. They will deal swiftly with any referrals made by staff or with concerns reported by staff. The School Director will then discuss the most appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis and will decide if a referral to external agencies is needed.
The Role of the Child Protection Leads
The Child Protection Leads are the leaders for referrals relating to extremism and radicalisation. They will fully brief staff members about what to do if they are concerned about the possibility of radicalisation relating to a pupil, or if they need to discuss specific children whom they consider to be vulnerable to radicalisation or extremist views. The Child Protection Leads will work together in conjunction with external agencies to decide the best course of action to address concerns which arise.
Recruitment
The arrangements for recruiting new staff and volunteers will follow the school’s Safer Recruitment and Selection Policy. The recruitment process requires candidates to provide information for relevant checks to be made. These checks include identity, DBS, references and qualifications. Pushkin’ School will apply safer recruitment and best practice principles which will deny opportunities for inappropriate recruitment. Adhering to safer recruitment techniques and ensuring that there is an ongoing culture of vigilance within our school community will greatly minimise the opportunities for extremist views to prevail.
Visitors and Contractors
All visitors and contractors will have their identity checked on arrival and will be signed in and out by a member of staff. Visitors and contractors will be subject to the appropriate level of DBS check when required. Visitors will always be supervised by members of staff.
Staff Training
Pushkin’s School will ensure that all staff are fully aware of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that are linked to radicalisation. All staff will receive prevent duty training annually (prior to the start of the school year) during their safeguarding training. This training will make staff aware of the process of radicalisation, how it might be identified early on, and how they can provide support to ensure that pupils are resilient and are able to resist involvement in radical or extremist activities.