What is PREVENT?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.
The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.
What does this mean for 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 pupils 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 pupils, 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 they can’t access extremist and terrorist material, or by vetting visitors who come into schools.
Different schools will carry out the Prevent duty in different ways, depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community.
Reporting a Concern
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Helen Willcox.
Any concerns you have in relation to the welfare of a child should be reported to Mrs Helen Willcox (SENDCO and Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Emma Ponting (Pastoral Lead and Deputy Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Helen Rao (Deputy Headteacher and Deputy Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Ruth Lee (Headteacher), Mrs Lucy Mitchell (Deputy Safeguarding Lead), Mrs Alex Dipple (Deputy Safeguarding Lead) or Mrs Kay McLeod (Deputy Safeguarding Lead) at the earliest opportunity.
If you have a concern outside of school hours, please contact Swindon MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub). They can be contacted on 01793 466903 (during normal office hours, 8.30am to 4.40pm Monday to Thursday, and 8.30am to 4.00pm Friday)The Emergency Duty Service is available on 01793 436699.
If you are concerned a child or young person is in immediate danger, call the Police on 999.
The welfare and safeguarding of our children is paramount in all we do at Orchid Vale Primary School.