PREVENT Strategy

The Prevent Duty

At Fishburn Primary School, safeguarding children from the risk of radicalisation and extremism is an important part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities.

Under Section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, schools have a duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. This is known as the Prevent Duty.

Prevent is treated in the same way as other safeguarding concerns. Our approach is proportionate to the age of our pupils and the risks relevant to our school and local community.

Our Approach at Fishburn

At Fishburn Primary School, we aim to provide a safe environment in which children can learn, discuss ideas, ask questions and develop the knowledge and skills needed to keep themselves and others safe.

We support the Prevent Duty through:

• a strong culture of safeguarding throughout the school;
• appropriate safeguarding and Prevent training for staff;
• teaching pupils how to stay safe, including online;
• supporting pupils to develop critical thinking skills and recognise unreliable or harmful information;
• promoting respectful discussion and understanding of different views, faiths and cultures;
• promoting the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs;
• ensuring appropriate filtering and monitoring arrangements are in place;
• assessing risks relating to radicalisation and extremism and responding appropriately;
• ensuring visiting speakers and external organisations are appropriately checked and supervised; and
• working with parents, carers and external agencies where appropriate.

Recognising Concerns

There is no single way to identify whether a child may be susceptible to radicalisation.

Changes in behaviour or circumstances may have many possible explanations and should always be considered in the context of the individual child.

Staff are trained to remain professionally curious and to report concerns through the school's established safeguarding procedures.

Concerns relating to radicalisation or extremism are treated as safeguarding concerns and should be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mr Richard Parkin
Head of School / Designated Safeguarding Lead

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead

Mrs Charlotte Sinclair
Assistant Headteacher / Early Years Lead

If a member of staff has a concern about a pupil, they should report it promptly to the DSL or DDSL in accordance with the school's safeguarding procedures.

Parents and carers who have concerns are also encouraged to contact the school safeguarding team.

Prevent Referrals and Channel

Where there are concerns that a child may be susceptible to radicalisation, the Designated Safeguarding Lead will consider the concern alongside other available information and seek appropriate advice where required.

Where appropriate, a Prevent referral may be made.

A referral does not automatically mean that further action will be taken through Prevent. Referrals are assessed to determine what support, if any, may be appropriate.

Channel is a multi-agency safeguarding programme which can provide individualised support to people who are susceptible to radicalisation. Channel support is voluntary.

Where a concern does not meet the threshold for Prevent or Channel, other safeguarding or support services may be considered where appropriate.

The Curriculum and British Values

Our curriculum supports pupils to develop the knowledge, understanding and confidence needed to participate positively in life in modern Britain.

Through PSHE, relationships education, online safety and the wider curriculum, pupils learn about:

• democracy;
• the rule of law;
• individual liberty;
• mutual respect;
• tolerance of different faiths and beliefs;
• respectful relationships;
• different cultures and communities;
• keeping themselves safe;
• recognising inappropriate or harmful content; and
• seeking help from trusted adults.

We encourage pupils to ask questions, consider different viewpoints, challenge prejudice and discrimination appropriately and develop the skills needed to make informed decisions.

Online Safety

We recognise that children may encounter extremist or harmful material online.

Online safety is therefore an important part of our safeguarding curriculum. Appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are used within school, alongside education which helps children develop safe and responsible online behaviours.

Parents and carers also play an important role in helping children stay safe online.

Further Information

Our approach to Prevent should be read alongside the school's wider safeguarding arrangements and policies.

Further information is available from:

Prevent Duty Guidance: England and Wales (2023)
Home Office

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026
Department for Education

Educate Against Hate
Department for Education

If you are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child, please contact the school's Designated Safeguarding Lead.