Prevent & Radicalisation Policy at Sandy Secondary School

Sandy Secondary School has a statutory duty under The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the statutory Prevent Guidance 2015 to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

Extremism is defined as vocal or active opposition to fundamental values of our society, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of encouraging extremist views or actions in others, including forms of extremism leading to terrorism.

There are several behaviours that may indicate a child is at risk of being radicalised or exposed to extremist views. These could include becoming distant or showing a loss of interest in friends and activities or possessing materials or symbols associated with an extremist cause.

Staff are expected to be vigilant in protecting pupils from the threat of radicalisation and refer any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Staff have received appropriate training to ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to identify pupils at risk, challenge extremist ideas, and know where and how to refer concerns.

Four secondary school students in navy and gold uniforms smiling at camera in a garden setting

Key Points

Definitions

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism. Extremism is defined 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. The Crown Prosecution Service defines it as the demonstration of unacceptable behaviour by using any means or medium to express views which encourage, justify, or glorify terrorist violence, seek to provoke others to terrorist acts, encourage other serious criminal activity, or foster hatred that might lead to inter-community violence in the UK.

Understanding the Risk

There is no such thing as a "typical extremist": those who become involved in extremist actions come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, and most individuals, even those who hold radical views, do not become involved in violent extremist activity. Students may become susceptible to radicalisation through a range of social, personal, and environmental factors. Violent extremists exploit vulnerabilities in individuals to drive a wedge between them and their families and communities. It is vital that school staff can recognise those vulnerabilities.

Indicators of Vulnerability

Indicators of vulnerability include: Identity Crisis – distancing from cultural or religious heritage and discomfort about their place in society. Personal Crisis – family tensions, isolation, low self-esteem, or dissociation from existing friendships. Personal Circumstances – migration, community tensions, or experiences of racism or discrimination. Unmet Aspirations – perceptions of injustice, feelings of failure, or rejection of civic life. Experiences of Criminality – involvement with criminal groups or poor reintegration. Special Educational Need – difficulties with social interaction, empathy, or understanding consequences of their actions.

Critical Risk Factors

More critical risk factors could include: being in contact with extremist recruiters, accessing violent extremist websites especially those with a social networking element, possessing or accessing violent extremist literature, using extremist narratives and a global ideology to explain personal disadvantage, justifying the use of violence to solve societal issues, joining or seeking to join extremist organisations, significant changes to appearance and/or behaviour, and experiencing a high level of social isolation resulting in issues of identity crisis and/or personal crisis.

Prevent & Radicalisation Prevent & Radicalisation What is Prevent? What are the indicators of vulnerability to Radicalisation? Sandy Secondary School has a statutory duty under The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the statutory Prevent Guidance 2015 to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. Extremism is defined as vocal or active opposition to fundamental values of our society, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of encouraging extremist views or actions in others, including forms of extremism leading to terrorism. There are several behaviours that may indicate a child is at risk of being radicalised or exposed to extremist views. These could include becoming distant or showing a loss of interest in friends and activities or possessing materials or symbols associated with an extremist cause. Staff are expected to be vigilant in protecting pupils from the threat of radicalisation and refer any concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Staff have received appropriate training to ensure they have the knowledge and confidence to identify pupils at risk, challenge extremist ideas, and know where and how to refer concerns. Four secondary school students in navy and gold uniforms smiling at camera in a garden setting Key Points Definitions Understanding the Risk Indicators of Vulnerability Critical Risk Factors