Merton Park Primary School

Prevent Duty

What is the Prevent duty?

  • The Prevent duty requires all schools to "have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism", under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. The duty covers all types of extremism, whether political, religious or ideological.

How does the Prevent duty apply to schools?

  • 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 any other harm.
  • Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues, at an appropriate level so they better understand how to protect themselves.

What does this mean in practice at Merton Park Primary School?

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:

  • Having a strong Aims and Ethos which pervades our school.
  • Focusing on core values.
  • 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 school to work with pupils.

Further information

Contact the school - If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent Strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Key Terms

Extremism – vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values.

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

 

Useful links:

https://actearly.uk/ 

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance 

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