Prevent Duty

We are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the Prevent duty.

We can build pupils’ resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British Values and enabling them to challenge extremist views.

The Fundamental British Values are:

• democracy

• the rule of law

• individual liberty

• mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faiths

We do this in a wide range of learning experiences at Oaklands, throughout the year. For our children, this can include sharing, taking turns, taking part in Big Days (themed days relating to key religious festivals) and for some, taking part in our school council. We encourage all children to be active within the school and wider community, to learn about and from the fantastic multi-cultural/multi-faith community we live in, and to celebrate our differences.

Prevent Concerns

The current threat from terrorism in the United Kingdom may include the exploitation of vulnerable people, to involve them in terrorism or in activity in support of terrorism. The normalisation of extreme views may also make children and young people vulnerable to future manipulation and exploitation. Oaklands School is clear that this exploitation and radicalisation should be viewed as a safeguarding concern.

There is further information and advice about Prevent and on the Leicestershire Police website here

The role of the Leicestershire Prevent Officers is to help people vulnerable to radicalisation move away from extremism. The police work with a range of partners, including schools & faith groups.

It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others. 

Spotting the Signs

The journey to becoming radicalised is different for everyone and there are many reasons why someone becomes vulnerable. Radicalisation can take place very quickly, or over a long period of time.

More important than any one specific sign is the sense that something is not quite right with the person you’re worried about. You could spot one sign or a combination of signs that seem to be increasing in intensity. 

You can access helpful videos, information and also report concerns at:

www.actearly.co.uk 

Call the ACT Early Support Line on 0800 011 3764, in confidence, to share any concerns with specially trained officers. The Support Line is open 9:00am – 5:00pm every day.