Prevent Duty

What is the PREVENT Duty ?

All schools and colleges 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.

Schools can build pupils’ resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British values and enabling them to challenge extremist views. As with all forms of safeguarding, adults should use their professional judgement in identifying an individual who may be at risk of radicalisation.

What is radicalisation ?

“Radicalisation” refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.

What is extremism ?

The vocal or active opposition to our fundamental values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and the mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. This also includes calling for the death of members of the armed forces.

What are British Values ?

‘Democracy, the rule of law, equality of opportunity, freedom of speech and the rights for all men and women to live free from persecution of any kind’.

What are our Procedures ?

Sacred Heart has clear procedures in place to safeguard children that includes protecting children at risk of radicalisation. Our Safeguarding Against Radicalisation and Extremism Policy can be downloaded from the Trust Policies section.

All staff are aware of the Trusts policy & procedures and follow these for any aspect of safeguarding, including extremist views/extremism.

The following national guidelines should also be read when working with this policy:

What to do if you suspect a student at Sacred Heart is at risk of radicalisation:

Contact immediately the Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mr Philip Stevenson or Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Janet Goodison on 01642 487100.