The Prevent Strategy

WHAT IS THE PREVENT STRATEGY?

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 groups and other causes.

HOW DOES THE PREVENT STRATEGY APPLY TO SCHOOLS?

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard young people from radicalisation and extremism. This means we have a responsibility to protect young people 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.

KEY TERMS

Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Ideology – a set of beliefs

Terrorism – a violent action against people or property, designed to create fear and advance a political, religious or ideological cause

Radicalisation – the process by which a person comes to support extremism and terrorism

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN IN PRACTICE?

Many of the things we already do in school to help young people 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 young people 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 school to work with pupils.

HOW DOES PREVENT RELATE TO BRITISH VALUES?

Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy. 

British values include:

• Democracy
• The rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect
• Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs