Prevent Duty - Northern Counties School

Northern Counties School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. 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.

AIMS AND PRINCIPLES

The main aims of this policy statement are to ensure that staff are fully engaged in being vigilant about radicalisation; that they overcome professional disbelief that such issues will not happen here and ensure that we work alongside other professional bodies and agencies to ensure that our pupils are safe from harm. The principle objectives are that:

All Staff and Governors will have an understanding of what radicalisation and extremism are and why we need to be vigilant in school.
All Staff and Governors will know what the school policy is on anti-radicalisation and extremism and will follow the policy when issues arise.
All parents and pupils will know that the school has policies in place to keep pupils safe from harm and that the school regularly reviews its systems to ensure they are appropriate and effective.

DEFINITIONS AND INDICATORS

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind. Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.

PROCEDURES FOR REFERRALS

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Northern Counties School to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the region in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation 鈥榗ould not happen here鈥� and to refer any concerns through the appropriate channels (currently via the Designated Safeguarding Lead聽/ Headteacher).

We believe that it is possible to intervene to protect people 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.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead / Headteacher will deal swiftly with any referrals made by staff or with concerns reported by staff. The Headteacher will review the most appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis and will decide when a referral to external agencies is needed.

THE ROLE OF THE CURRICULUM

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. We are committed to ensuring that our pupils are offered a broad and balanced curriculum that aims to prepare them for life in modern Britain. 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. Our PSHCE (Personal, Social and Health and Citizenship Education) and RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) provision is embedded across the curriculum and underpins the ethos of the school. 聽Teaching the school鈥檚 core values alongside the fundamental British values supports quality teaching and learning, whilst making a positive contribution to the development of a fair, just and civil society. 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.

Role of Governing Body

The Governing Body will undertake appropriate training to ensure that they are聽clear about their role and the parameters of their responsibilities as Governors, including their聽statutory safeguarding duties. The Governing Body will support the ethos and values of our school and will support the school in tackling extremism and radicalisation.聽In line with the provisions set out in the DfE guidance 鈥楰eeping Children Safe in Education 2021鈥� the governing body will challenge the school鈥檚 senior management team on the delivery聽of this policy and monitor its effectiveness.

Recruitment

The arrangements for recruiting all staff, permanent and volunteers, to our school will follow聽the 糖心logo入口 Foundation safer recruitment policy, including, but not聽limited to, ensuring that DBS checks are always made at the appropriate level, that references聽are always received and checked and that we complete and maintain a single central record of聽such vetting checks.

We will apply safer recruitment best practice principles and sound employment practice in聽general and in doing so will deny opportunities for inappropriate recruitment or advancement. We will be alert to the possibility that persons may seek to gain positions within our school so聽as to unduly influence our school鈥檚 character and ethos. We are aware that such persons seek聽to limit the opportunities for our pupils thereby rendering them vulnerable to extremist views聽and radicalisation.

By adhering to safer recruitment best practice techniques and by ensuring that聽there is an ongoing culture of vigilance within our school and staff team we will minimise the聽opportunities for extremist views to prevail.

STAFF TRAINING

Through ongoing CPD 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.

Links to other policies:

Safeguarding and child protection policy
Anti-bullying policy
Behaviour policy (currently Consistent and Positive Approach Policy)
IT policy
Safer recruitment

This policy is informed by

Keeping children safe in education 2021
Working together to safeguard children 2018
Revised Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales 2021

Procedures for referrals:

Any colleague with concerns will speak to the Designated Safeguarding Lead, or one of the Designated Assistant Safeguarding Leads. The concern will be logged, and a timeline started. The Newcastle Prevent Coordinator will be contacted.

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