What is the Prevent Strategy?

The Prevent Strategy is part of the Government’s wider counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST. Its purpose is to safeguard individuals from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist ideologies.

The strategy addresses all forms of extremism and terrorism, including:

• Extreme right-wing extremism
• Islamist extremism
• Other forms of extremist activity that may place individuals or communities at risk

Prevent focuses on early identification and support for those who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, helping to protect individuals before harm occurs.

How Does the Prevent Strategy Apply to Schools?

Since July 2015, schools have had a statutory duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to have due regard to preventing people from being drawn into terrorism. This is known as the Prevent Duty.

As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, Conway Primary School is committed to protecting children from radicalisation and extremist influences in the same way that we protect them from any other form of harm.

We also recognise the importance of providing a safe, supportive environment where pupils can explore complex issues in an age-appropriate manner, develop resilience, and learn how to challenge extremist narratives safely and appropriately.

What Does This Mean in Practice at Conway Primary School?

Many of the activities and values already embedded within our school contribute to the aims of the Prevent Strategy. These include:

• Promoting a strong and inclusive school ethos.
• Encouraging respect, kindness and our core school values.
• Celebrating diversity and exploring different cultures, faiths and beliefs.
• Challenging discrimination, prejudice, racism and stereotypes.
• Developing pupils' critical thinking, confidence and self-esteem.
• Promoting Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) development.
• Teaching and embedding the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.

In addition, we take practical measures to safeguard pupils from extremist influences, including:

• Maintaining effective internet filtering and monitoring systems.
• Ensuring visitors and external speakers are appropriately vetted.
• Providing regular safeguarding and Prevent training for staff.
• Following robust safeguarding procedures where concerns arise.

Is My Child Too Young to Learn About Extremism?

The Prevent Duty is not about exposing young children to inappropriate discussions about terrorism or extremism.

Instead, at Conway Primary School we focus on developing age-appropriate understanding of values such as:

• Respect
• Tolerance
• Inclusion
• Equality
• Friendship
• Democracy
• Mutual understanding

Through our curriculum and wider school experiences, children learn how to recognise healthy relationships, respect differences and think critically about the information they encounter.

All discussions and learning activities are carefully planned to ensure they are suitable for the age, maturity and developmental needs of the pupils involved.

Is Extremism a Risk in Our Community?

Extremism can take many forms and may be motivated by political, religious, ideological or other beliefs. While the nature of risks can vary across different communities, it is important that all children develop the knowledge, skills and resilience necessary to recognise and challenge extremist views wherever they may encounter them.

At Conway Primary School, we are committed to preparing pupils to become informed, responsible and resilient citizens who can engage positively with the diverse society in which they live.

Further Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Prevent Strategy or how it is implemented at Conway Primary School, please contact a member of the Safeguarding Team.

Further information can also be found in our:

• Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
• Prevent Duty Statement
• British Values Policy
• Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) Policy

These documents are available on the school website.