Prevent advice for parents

Prevent at Westacre

Westacre Middle School takes seriously its responsibility to safeguard pupils from all forms of harm, including the risk of radicalisation and extremism.

Mrs Catherine Doolin is the Prevent Single Point of Contact in school.

If you have any questions or concerns about Prevent, radicalisation or extremism, please contact the school.

What is Prevent?

Prevent is part of the Government’s wider counter-terrorism strategy. Schools have a legal duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

In schools, Prevent is first and foremost a safeguarding responsibility. It is about identifying concerns early and ensuring that children and families can access appropriate advice and support.

What does this mean at Westacre?

We help pupils to develop the knowledge, confidence and resilience they need to keep themselves safe and make informed decisions.

Our work includes:

creating a safe environment where pupils can ask questions and discuss difficult or sensitive issues;
promoting respect, tolerance and understanding of different cultures, faiths and beliefs;
teaching pupils about democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs;
developing pupils' critical thinking and media literacy so they can recognise misinformation, manipulation and harmful online content;
challenging prejudice, discrimination, racism, misogyny and other forms of hateful or extremist language;
teaching pupils how to stay safe online;
ensuring appropriate filtering and monitoring systems are in place;
checking visitors and external speakers appropriately; and
responding promptly to any concerns that a pupil may be susceptible to radicalisation.

Any concerns are considered through our normal safeguarding procedures and are shared with the Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Is my child too young to learn about Prevent?

Prevent education is always age appropriate. For younger pupils, this is not about exposing children to inappropriate details about terrorism. It focuses on developing values, positive relationships, critical thinking, online safety and the confidence to recognise and challenge harmful messages.

What is radicalisation?

Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support terrorism and extremist ideologies associated with terrorist groups.

What is terrorism?

Terrorism generally involves the use or threat of serious violence or other serious action designed to influence government or intimidate the public in order to advance a political, religious, racial or ideological cause.

Useful information for parents and carers

Parents and carers can find further information and advice through:

If you are worried that a child may be at risk of radicalisation, please speak to a member of our safeguarding team.