Every school has to promote fundamental British values and protect students from being drawn into extremism. Here is how we do both.
British values
The Department for Education asks schools to actively promote five values:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- mutual respect
- tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs, and those with none
For us these sit naturally alongside GRIT. Respect and integrity are already how we expect people to treat each other here, so British values are not a separate topic bolted onto the timetable — they show up in Citizenship and PSHCE lessons, in how disagreements get handled, and in the ordinary business of a small school where everyone has to get along.
Many of our students arrive having felt that rules were something done to them rather than something they had any part in. Learning that they have a voice, that rules apply to everyone including adults, and that other people can hold different views without being enemies, is genuinely developmental work for them.
The Prevent duty
Prevent is part of the government’s counter-terrorism strategy. For schools it means having due regard to the need to stop people being drawn into terrorism. We treat it as part of safeguarding, in the same way as we treat neglect or bullying — not as a separate exercise.
It is worth being honest about why this matters here in particular. Young people who are isolated, who have been out of school, who spend a great deal of time online and who are looking for somewhere to belong are exactly the people extremist groups try to reach. That describes a number of our students at the point they arrive. Building their confidence, their friendships and their ability to think critically is the strongest protection there is.
Notice, check, share
Our staff are trained in the Notice, Check, Share framework, so that concerns are picked up early and dealt with through our normal safeguarding procedures.
Notice. Changes in a young person: withdrawing from family or friends, expressing extremist views, a personal crisis, growing isolation.
Check. Talk it through with the Designated Safeguarding Lead to gather context before acting. A single remark is not usually what it first appears to be.
Share. Where it is warranted, refer to the police or local authority using the Prevent referral process.
What we do in practice
Somewhere safe to ask difficult questions. Through PSHCE and Citizenship, students can discuss sensitive subjects openly and learn to question what they are told. A young person who can be talked out of an idea in a classroom is far less likely to be talked into one online.
Staff training. All staff are trained to recognise vulnerability and know how to raise a concern.
Filtering and monitoring. We filter and monitor what can be reached on our network, and online safety is taught rather than only restricted. See our online safety page.
Belonging. The most effective thing we do is the least technical. Students who feel known, included and listened to are much harder to recruit.
If you are worried about a young person
Contact our Designated Safeguarding Team on safeguarding@pledge2learn.co.uk or 01724 454377. The inbox is monitored during school hours in term time.
If you believe there is an immediate danger to anyone, call 999.
Where parents can find out more
- Educate Against Hate — practical advice for parents and teachers
- ACT Early — for families worried that someone they know is being radicalised
- Prevent duty guidance on GOV.UK — the statutory guidance itself
Our safeguarding and child protection policy sets out the full procedure.
