Prevent Duty Statement for St Peter’s Primary School September 2020

 Government guidance came into force on 1 July 2015 called Prevent Duty. Schools responsibility to follow this duty is set out in the following paragraph taken from the DFE website:

The Prevent duty

In order for schools and childcare providers to fulfil the Prevent duty, it is essential that staff are able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, and know what to do when they are identified. Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of schools’ and childcare providers’ wider safeguarding duties, and is similar in nature to protecting children from other harms (e.g. drugs, gangs, neglect, sexual exploitation), whether these come from within their family or are the product of outside influences.

 St. Peter’s Primary School ensure 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 St Peter’s, 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. St Peter’s VA Primary 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, Channel Police Practitioners and Hertfordshire Safeguarding Board, to take account of local risks and respond appropriately

· that we make referrals to local Channel Panels, Channel Police Practitioners or the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Board, 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.