Prevent & Radicalisation

What is Prevent and What Are the Indicators of Vulnerability to Radicalisation?

Sandy Secondary School has a statutory duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. The Prevent duty forms part of the school's wider safeguarding responsibilities, protecting children and young people from risks associated with extremism and radicalisation.

Extremism is vocal or active opposition to fundamental democratic values, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect for different faiths and beliefs. Radicalisation is the process by which a person adopts extremist views that may lead to terrorism. This occurs gradually through personal, social and environmental factors.

There is no single extremist profile. Individuals come from diverse backgrounds, and holding radical views does not necessarily lead to violent behaviour. However, children become susceptible when vulnerabilities are exploited. Violent extremists target those feeling isolated, marginalised or disconnected from families and communities.

Indicators of risk include withdrawing from friends or activities, significant behavioural or appearance changes, expressing extremist narratives, or possessing extremist materials. Underlying vulnerabilities include identity crisis, family difficulties, unmet aspirations, discrimination, criminal involvement, or special educational needs.

More serious risk factors include direct contact with extremist recruiters, accessing violent extremist content, justifying violence for social or political causes, or attempting to join extremist organisations. High social isolation, particularly combined with personal crisis, increases vulnerability further.

All staff must remain vigilant and report concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Staff receive appropriate training to identify risks, challenge extremist ideas appropriately, and follow correct referral procedures.