This policy should be read with the following policies;
Redhill Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. Every member of staff recognises that safeguarding against radicalisation and extremism is no different to safeguarding against any other vulnerability in today’s society. The Extremism and Radicalisation Policy sets out our beliefs, strategies and procedures to protect vulnerable individuals from being radicalised or exposed to extremist views, by identifying who they are and promptly providing them with support.
The Redhill Primary School Extremism and Radicalisation Policy links to the following Redhill Primary School policies:
The Redhill Primary School Extremism and Radicalisation Policy is intended to provide a framework for dealing with issues relating to vulnerability, radicalisation and exposure to extreme views. We recognise that we are well placed to be able to identify safeguarding issues and this policy clearly sets out how the school will deal with such incidents and identifies how the curriculum and ethos underpins our actions.
The objectives are that:
The main aims of this policy 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.
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. There are a number of behaviours which may indicate a child is at risk of being radicalised or exposed to extreme views. These include;
Indicators of vulnerability include:
More critical risk factors could include:
At Redhill Primary School, we recognize that education is a powerful tool equipping pupils with the knowledge, skills and reflex to think for themselves, to challenge and debate and giving pupils the opportunity to learn about different cultures and faiths and, to gain an understanding of the values we share. At Redhill Primary School we can support our pupils in this by providing a safe environment for discussing controversial issues and helping pupils understand how they can influence and participate in decision making. We will encourage pupils to express their views but also to appreciate the impact their views can have on others, to take responsibility for their actions and to understand that the use of violence to further any cause is criminal.
Although serious incidents involving radicalization have not occurred at Redhill Primary School to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the local area, and society in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any ‘professional disbelief’ that instances of radicalization ‘could not happen here’ and to be ‘professionally inquisitive’ where concerns arise, referring any concerns through the appropriate channels. 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 practise. Claire Lamb, Mandy Ward and Denise Rock, the Designated Safeguarding Leads will deal swiftly with any referrals made by staff or with concerns reported by staff. The DSLs will discuss the most appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis and will decide when a referral to external agencies is needed.
As with any child protection referral, staff must be made aware that if they do not agree with a decision not to refer, they can make the referral themselves and will be given the contact details to do this via the safeguarding board in the staffroom.
The DSLs are the leaders for referrals relating to extremism and radicalisation. In the unlikely event that no DSL is available, all staff know the channels by which to make referrals via the safeguarding board in the staffroom. Staff will be fully briefed about what to do if they are concerned about the possibility of radicalisation relating to a pupil, or if they need to discuss specific children whom they consider to be vulnerable to radicalisation or extremist views.The DSLs will work in conjunction with external agencies to decide the best course of action to address concerns which arise. Prejudicial behaviour can be a factor in radicalisation and extremism. With this in mind, Redhill Primary School has updated procedures for dealing with prejudicial behaviour, as outlined in the Behaviour Policy and Equality Policy.
Our curriculum is “broad and balanced” It promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children 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. Or PSHE provision is embedded across the curriculum. It directs our assemblies and underpins the ethos of the school. It is recognised that children with low aspirations are more vulnerable to radicalisation and therefore we strive to equip our pupils with confidence, self-belief, respect and tolerance as well as setting high standards and expectations for themselves. Curricular enhancements are bought into our school to enable children to experience and reflect on scenarios in role-play eg theatre workshops on differences and extremism.
Children 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.
Through INSET 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 and are aware of how we can provide support as a school to ensure that our children are resilient and able to resist involvement in radical or extreme activities.
Upon arriving at the school, all visitors including contractors, will be advised of the child protection and safeguarding guidance and be made aware of who the DSLs are and how to report any concerns which they may experience. Posters are displayed around the school containing pictures of the DSLs. any agreement is made to allow non-school groups or organisations to use the premises, appropriate checks will be made before agreeing the contract. Usage will be monitored and in the event of any behaviour not in-keeping with the Extremism and Radicalisation Policy, the school will contact the policy and terminate the contract.
Appendix 1 – Dealing with referrals
We are aware of the potential indicating factors that a child is vulnerable to being radicalised or exposed to extreme views, including peer pressure, influence from other people or the internet, bullying, crime and anti-social behaviour, family tensions, race/hate crime, lack of self-esteem or identity, prejudicial behaviour and personal or political grievances In the event of prejudicial behaviour the following system will be followed;
Appendix 2 - Additional materials (Available in Staffroom, on school website or by searching online)