At Calmore Junior School, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all our students. As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we take a proactive approach to prevent children from being drawn into extremist views or activities. Our Prevent Strategy is designed to educate, protect, and support our pupils, ensuring they grow up to be responsible, open-minded, and active members of society.

The Prevent Duty is part of the UK government’s counter-terrorism strategy (CONTEST) and requires schools to help protect children from the risk of radicalisation. At Calmore Junior School, we follow a comprehensive approach to safeguard our students from extremist ideologies by fostering an inclusive and supportive school environment.

Education and Awareness

We believe that promoting British values and providing our students with knowledge about diversity, tolerance, and respect is fundamental in preventing radicalisation. Our curriculum encourages critical thinking, open discussions, and the exploration of different perspectives.

• Personal, Social, Health, and Economic (PSHE) Education: Our PSHE curriculum includes lessons on respect, understanding cultural diversity, and promoting positive relationships. These lessons help our students develop the skills to challenge harmful or extremist ideologies.

• Social Integration and Inclusion: We work to ensure that all students feel valued and included within our school community, irrespective of their background, ethnicity, or faith. By celebrating diversity, we foster mutual respect and a strong sense of belonging.

• Guest Speakers and External Partnerships: We invite speakers from various cultural, religious, and community backgrounds to provide students with a broader understanding of the world and promote open-mindedness.

Identifying and Supporting Vulnerable Students

We recognise that some children may be more vulnerable to radicalisation due to factors such as social isolation, personal challenges, or negative influences outside of school. Our staff are trained to identify signs of vulnerability and know how to respond appropriately if they have concerns.

• Training and Awareness for Staff: All staff at Calmore Junior School receive training on the Prevent Duty, including how to identify potential signs of radicalisation and how to handle concerns sensitively and effectively.

• Pastoral Support: We provide a strong pastoral support system within our school to ensure that every child has someone they can approach for guidance and support. Our teachers and teaching assistants are always available to listen to students’ concerns and offer appropriate support.

• Early Intervention: If concerns about a child’s well-being or potential vulnerability arise, we take early action to ensure they receive the right support. This may include liaising with external agencies such as social services, the police, or mental health professionals.

Partnership with Parents and Carers

Engaging parents and carers is an essential part of our strategy to protect children from radicalisation. We work in partnership with families to ensure that students receive consistent messages both at home and at school.

• Regular Communication: We maintain open lines of communication with parents and carers about the importance of safeguarding, both online and offline. We share information about potential risks, how to keep children safe, and how to discuss important issues with them.

• Workshops and Information Sessions: We offer workshops and information sessions to help parents and carers understand how they can support their child’s well-being and prevent radicalisation. These sessions provide advice on managing online activity, building resilience, and fostering open conversations at home.

Curriculum and Extra-Curricular Activities

We offer a broad and balanced curriculum that promotes critical thinking, respect for diversity, and personal responsibility. Our students are encouraged to explore ideas, ask questions, and engage with the world in a thoughtful and responsible manner.

• Critical Thinking: Through subjects such as Citizenship and History, students are taught to think critically about the world around them and to understand the importance of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.

• Promoting Positive Role Models: We actively encourage students to learn about positive role models who contribute to society in diverse and meaningful ways. This helps them understand that there are many ways to be successful and contribute positively to their communities.

• After-School Clubs and Activities: Our range of extracurricular activities provides students with opportunities to explore their interests, build self-confidence, and form positive relationships with their peers. These activities also help to foster a sense of belonging and community within the school.

Clear Reporting and Referral Systems

We have clear systems in place for staff, students, and parents to report concerns about a child’s safety, including any concerns about radicalisation or extremist views.

• Reporting Concerns: We encourage a culture of openness, where students and staff feel comfortable reporting any concerns about radicalisation or harmful behaviour. All concerns are taken seriously, and appropriate action is taken in line with our safeguarding procedures.

• Referral Process: If a concern is raised about a student’s potential vulnerability to radicalisation, the school will follow the safeguarding referral process. This may include working with external agencies such as the Channel Programme (part of the UK’s Prevent Strategy), where appropriate.

Monitoring and Reviewing

We regularly review the effectiveness of our Prevent Strategy to ensure that it is up-to-date and working effectively to protect our students.

• Ongoing Staff Training: We provide regular training to all staff to ensure they are aware of current safeguarding issues, including the risks associated with radicalisation and extremism.

• Regular Review of Policies: Our policies and procedures, including those relating to safeguarding and the Prevent Duty, are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure they remain in line with national guidelines and best practices.

At Calmore Junior School, we are committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all our students. Our Prevent Strategy plays a crucial role in ensuring that children are protected from harmful ideologies and extremism. By promoting British values, fostering inclusivity, and working in partnership with parents and external agencies, we aim to equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and resilience to make positive, informed choices throughout their lives.

If you have any questions or concerns about our Prevent Strategy, please contact us directly. We are here to support you and your child.