Protecting young people.
Working positively to protect young people from radicalisation.
How does the Prevent strategy apply to schools?
On 1 July 2015 the Prevent duty (section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty places the responsibility on local authorities and schools to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being radicalised by, for example, far right extremists or religious extremists.This means we have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way we protect them from drugs or gang violence.
What does this mean in practice?
Aston University Engineering Academy and Sixth Form is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a UTC we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is as important as safeguarding against any other vulnerability.
Importantly, we can provide a safe place for pupils to discuss these issues so they better understand how to protect themselves. Many of the things we already do in our UTC help our young people become positive, happy members of society also contribute to the Prevent strategy.
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. We believe that our young people should be given the opportunity to explore diversity and understand Britain as a multi-cultural society; everyone should be treated with respect whatever their race, gender, sexuality, religious belief, special need, or disability.
We will also protect children from the risk of radicalisation, for example by using filters on the internet to make sure they can’t access extremist and terrorist material and by vetting visitors who come into UTC to work with pupils.
Frequently Asked Questions.
How does Prevent relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this will continue to be part of our response to the Prevent strategy.
British values include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty and mutual respect
- Tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent strategy is not just about discussing extremism itself, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is also about teaching children values such as tolerance and mutual respect. The UTC will make sure any discussions are suitable for the age and maturity of the children involved.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others. We will give children the skills to protect them from any extremist views they may encounter, now or later in their lives.
Where to go for more information
Contact the Academy.
If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent strategy and what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the UTC Safeguarding Team.
See our policies
You will find more details about radicalisation in our safeguarding policy, available here. We also have information about spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and British values.