The Prevent duty is part of the UK Government’s wider counter-terrorism strategy and aims to safeguard children and young people from the risk of radicalisation and extremism. Schools have a responsibility to promote pupils’ wellbeing and to protect them from harm, including exposure to extremist views or influences.

At Reinwood Junior School, Prevent is embedded within our wider safeguarding responsibilities. We recognise that children can be vulnerable to a range of influences, both online and offline, and we are committed to providing a safe environment where pupils feel confident to discuss concerns and ask questions.

The Prevent strategy has four key elements, often referred to as its ‘pillars’:

• Contest - challenging extremist ideology and supporting shared value
• Pursue – stopping individuals who pose a threat
• Protect – strengthening protection against terrorist threats
• Prepare – ensuring readiness to respond to incidents

Within school, our focus is on helping pupils develop critical thinking skills, resilience and a strong sense of right and wrong. Through the curriculum, pupils are encouraged to respect others, understand different viewpoints and recognise the importance of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect.

Staff receive appropriate training to help them identify signs of vulnerability to radicalisation and know how to respond to concerns. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Mrs Eastwood, has completed Prevent training and remains up to date with current guidance and strategies. Any concerns relating to Prevent are managed in line with our safeguarding procedures and, where necessary, shared with appropriate external agencies.

We work closely with parents and carers and encourage open communication. If families have concerns or questions about Prevent or safeguarding more generally, they are encouraged to contact the school so these can be discussed and addressed promptly.