ANTI-RADICALISATION / PREVENT POLICY 1
POLICY STATEMENT Within the academy we strive to create a learning environment, curriculum, experiences and relationships in which all individuals can find expression, be nourished and developed. The academy commits itself to creating an environment for everyone that is characterised by our core values of Truth, Justice, Forgiveness, Generosity and Respect. These values have been used to determine this policy. The St Lawrence Academy is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of its students. Every member of staff recognises that safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability in today s society. In keeping with the Academy ethos of fostering a culture of inclusion and development of open-mindedness, all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. This policy sets out our strategies and procedures to protect students from being radicalised or exposed to extremist views, by identifying vulnerable individuals and providing them with appropriate and timely support. AIMS AND PRINCIPLES The main aims of this policy are to ensure that all staff are fully engaged in maintaining vigilance for radicalisation; that staff overcome professional disbelief that such issues could not arise at The St Lawrence Academy; to ensure that we work alongside other professional bodies and agencies to ensure that our students are safe from harm. The guiding principles are as follows: Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places a duty on specified authorities, listed in Schedule 6 of the Act (including an independent school registered under section 158 of the Education Act 2002), to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. The Department for Education produced The Prevent Duty: Departmental advice for schools and childcare providers in June 2015, which provides guidance on risk assessment, staff training and IT policies. Students are encouraged to adopt the Academy s Core Values of respect, truth, forgiveness, generosity and justice. These complement the key British Values of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living. Students are helped to understand the importance of democracy and freedom of speech, through assemblies and other organised activities i.e. School Council, Debating Society Students are taught how to keep themselves safe, in school and when using the internet. Students participate in local community events so that they appreciate and value their neighbours and friends who may not share their faith or background. Students wellbeing, confidence and resilience is promoted through our planned curriculum and out of hours learning opportunities. 2
Students are supported in making good choices from a young age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others. ASSOCIATED ACADEMY POLICIES Behaviour for Learning Framework Anti-Bullying Child Protection Policy Overview Equal Opportunities Facebook Safety & Best Practice DEFINITIONS & INDICATORS Extremism is defined by the UK Government as " vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. " (Prevent Strategy, 2011, glossary). Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism (Prevent Strategy, 2011, glossary). Although there is no single way of identifying an individual who is likely to be vulnerable to a terrorist ideology, staff should be alert to changes in students behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection. Children at risk of radicalisation may display different signs or seek to hide their views. Staff should use their professional judgement in identifying students who might be at risk of radicalisation, and act proportionately. There are a number of behaviours or circumstances which may indicate a student is at risk of being radicalised or exposed to extreme views, or is becoming radicalised. These include: The student is distanced from their cultural /religious heritage and experiences. Low self-esteem or a sense of isolation. Family tensions or problems. Spending increasing time in the company of other suspected extremists. Changing their style of dress or personal appearance to accord with the group. Day-to-day behaviour becoming increasingly centred on an extremist ideology, group or cause. Attempts to access extremist material on the internet. Loss of interest in other friends and activities not associated with the extremist ideology, group or cause. Possession of materials or symbols associated with an extremist cause. Attempts to recruit others to the group/cause. Communications with others that suggests identification with a group, cause or ideology. Using insulting to derogatory names for another group. 3
An increase in reported prejudice-related incidents committed by that person these may include: Physical or verbal assault Provocative behaviour Damage to property Derogatory name calling Possession of prejudice-related materials Prejudice related ridicule or name calling Inappropriate forms of address Refusal to co-operate Attempts to recruit to prejudice-related organisations Condoning or supporting violence towards others, or justifying the use of violence. Identification of those students who may be vulnerable to such radicalisation also relies upon effective staff communication and consistent and appropriate application of the Behaviour for Learning Policy, the Anti-Bullying Policy and the Child Protection Policy. PROCEDURE FOR REFERRAL It is important for staff to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the local area, town and society in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation could not happen here and to be professionally inquisitive where concerns arise, referring any concerns through the appropriate channels. We believe that it is possible to intervene to protect children who are vulnerable. Early intervention is vital and staff must be aware of the established processes for front line professionals to refer concerns about individuals and/or groups. We must have the confidence to challenge; the confidence to intervene and ensure that we have strong safeguarding practices based on the most up-to-date guidance and best practice. In the first instance, any concerns should be referred by email to the Lead Behaviour Professional (the referral should also copy in the Safeguarding Lead). The Principal has overall responsibility for dealing with concerns about extremism and will discuss the most appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis and will decide when a referral to external agencies is needed. As with any child protection referral, staff must be made aware that if they do not agree with a decision not to refer; they can make the referral themselves and will have access to contact details for the local authority Channel Panel and Children s Social Care. THE ROLE OF THE CURRICULUM Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Students are encouraged to share their views and recognise that they are entitled to have their own different beliefs which should not be used to influence others. 4
The Academy is committed to promoting British Values, and builds resilience to radicalisation and understanding of the issues through relevant activities and that focus on democracy, diversity, mutual respect and debate. Our PSE provision is embedded across the curriculum and provides students with time to explore sensitive and controversial issues, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage difficult situations. We encourage students to develop positive character traits such as resilience, determination, self-esteem and confidence. We encourage students to set high standards and expectations for themselves. Students are regularly taught about how to stay safe when using the internet, and are encouraged to recognise that people are not always who they say they are online. They are taught to seek adult help if they are upset or concerned about anything they read or see on the internet. The Academy has robust IT Policies and Procedures (including effective filtering), and ensures that students are unable to access terrorist or extremist material when using the internet in the Academy. Staff are aware of the risks posed by the online activity of extremist and terrorist groups. STAFF TRAINING The Lead Behaviour Professional has attended WRAP/Prevent training and has cascaded the same to all staff during formal training sessions (/February 2016). Through INSET opportunities in school, we will ensure that our staff are fully aware of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that are linked to radicalisation; are aware of the process of radicalisation and how this might be identified early on and are aware of how we can provide support as an Academy to ensure that our students are resilient and able to resist involvement in radical or extreme activities. VISITORS AND THE USE OF ACADEMY PREMISES If any member of staff wishes to invite a visitor in the Academy, they must first gain approval from the Principal. All visitors will be subject to safeguarding checks (including DBS checks if appropriate) and photo identification. Upon arriving at the Academy, all visitors, including contractors, will read the Child Protection and Safeguarding Guidance and be made aware of who the Safeguarding Lead is and how to report any concerns that they may have. If any agreement is made to allow non-academy groups or organisations to use the premises, appropriate checks will be made before agreeing the contract. Usage will be monitored and in the event of any behaviour not consistent with the Anti-Radicalisation Policy, the Academy will contact the police and terminate the contract. POLICY REVIEW The Anti-Radicalisation policy statement will be reviewed annually as part of the overall Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy Review. 5