Chenies School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils.
On 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty (section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty places the responsibility on local authorities to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
All staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. This means we have a responsibility to protect pupils from extremist and violent views in the same way we protect them from violence or other types of abuse. Importantly we can provide a safe place to discuss these issues so that pupils can learn to protect themselves.
What does this mean in practice?
Many of the things we do in school help pupils to become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy. These include:
- Exploring other cultures
- Challenging prejudice and racist comments
- Promoting spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through a values-based education— including promoting British values such as democracy, rule of law, tolerance and mutual respect.
- Providing a safe place where pupils can understand and discuss sensitive and controversial topics such as terrorism and extremist ideas, and learn how to challenge them.
- Promoting community cohesion
We will also protect pupil from the risk of radicalisation, for example by
- Using filters on the internet
- Monitoring internet use
- Vetting staff, visitors and volunteers who come into school to work with the pupil.
- Staff training.
The following external sources may also be useful for further information and advice:
Revised Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales
Frequently Asked Questions: Prevent for Schools
What is prevent? Let’s talk about it
Spotting the signs of someone who may be vulnerable to becoming involved in extremism or terrorism.
ACT Early Prevent radicalisation
Ms Sutherland and Ms Blakeley are the school Designated Safeguarding Leads. If you have any concerns or questions regarding safeguarding please contact them.
