Policy: Prevent Statement

Prevent Statement for Co-op Academy Belle Vue

At Co-op Academy Belle Vue, safeguarding is our utmost priority, and this includes protecting our students from the risks of extremism and radicalisation. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) at our academy is [Insert DSL's Name], and [Insert Deputy DSL's Name] serves as the Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. [Insert DSL's Name] also acts as our Prevent Lead, ensuring that our approach to safeguarding includes robust measures against radicalisation.

This statement should be read in conjunction with our Academy Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, as well as relevant government guidance, including "Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales" and "Keeping Children Safe in Education."

Introduction to the Prevent Strategy

Safeguarding at Co-op Academy Belle Vue extends to protecting our students from the risk of being drawn into terrorism. This involves not only combating violent extremism but also addressing non-violent extremism, which can create environments where terrorist ideologies thrive. Our school is committed to being a safe space where students can learn about and discuss sensitive topics like terrorism and extremist ideologies in a secure, supportive environment.

The Aims of Prevent

The Prevent strategy aims to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. It also includes helping those who are already involved in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate. The key objectives of Prevent are to:

• Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism.
• Intervene early to support individuals susceptible to radicalisation.
• Enable those already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.

Understanding Key Terms

• Extremism: The vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect for different faiths and beliefs. This also includes calls for the death of members of the armed forces.
• Radicalisation: The process by which an individual comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.
• Terrorism: Actions that endanger or cause serious violence to people, cause serious damage to property, or seriously disrupt electronic systems, with the intention of influencing the government or intimidating the public for political, religious, or ideological purposes.

Preventing Radicalisation at Co-op Academy Belle Vue

Our approach to preventing radicalisation is centred on building resilience in our students and promoting fundamental British values. We provide a safe environment where students can discuss difficult issues and gain the knowledge and confidence to challenge extremist ideologies.

Under the Prevent duty, which is mandated by the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, our school is legally required to take steps to prevent students from being drawn into terrorism. We do this by:

• Understanding and managing risks associated with radicalisation.
• Sharing information with appropriate authorities when necessary.
• Reducing permissive environments that may foster extremist ideologies.
• Monitoring and reviewing our practices to ensure they are effective.

If we assess a student as being at risk of radicalisation, we refer them to the Channel Programme, which provides early support to individuals identified as vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.

What to Do If There Is a Concern

If you have concerns about a student, we encourage you to follow our normal safeguarding procedures. This includes discussing your concerns with the DSL or Prevent Lead. In some cases, it may be necessary to involve children’s social care or the local police force.

For non-emergencies, you can contact the local police by dialling 101. In an emergency, we will follow the recommended emergency procedures to ensure the safety of all our students.