From 1st July 2015 all registered early years childcare providers and registered later years childcare providers are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”. This duty is known as the Prevent duty.
All staff working in early years settings must be vigilant and have a duty to inform authorities if they feel a child is being exposed to radicalisation, with the same importance of any safeguarding concern.
What is Radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the process in which a person comes to support terrorism and extremism. Protecting children from being radicalised comes under the same importance of other safeguarding duties. Peer pressure and the feeling of belonging maybe used. Radicalisation can occur quickly or it can take place over a long period of time. It can be seen as a psychological process similar to grooming.
Although signs of radicalisation can change for each individual, it may be a cause for concern if you notice:
- A child isolating from friends
- Talking as if they are reading from a scripted speech
- Unwilling or unable to discuss their views
- Developing a sudden disrespectful attitude
This may apply to parents, carers or practitioners. As with all safeguarding matters, staff must be alert to any changes in children’s behaviour and what is cause of concern.
What is Extremism? (The Prevent Duty, 2015)
“Extremism” is vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. We also include in our definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas. Terrorist groups very often draw on extremist ideas developed by extremist organisations”
At Rochester Preschool, we will:
- Provide appropriate training for staff as soon as possible. Part of this training will enable staff to identify children who may be at risk of radicalisation.
- We will build the children’s resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British values and enabling them to challenge extremist views (for early years providers the statutory framework for the EYFS sets standards for learning, development and care for children from the 0-5, thereby assisting their personal, social and emotional development and understanding of the world).
- As with managing other safeguarding risks, our staff will be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection (children at risk of radicalisation may display different signs or seek to hide their views). The Key Person approach means we already know our key children well and so we will notice any changes in behaviour, demeanour or personality very quickly. We also create strong bonds with families so may notice if there are any changes in parents behaviour. We will not carry out unnecessary intrusion into family life but we will take action if we observe behaviours that are a concern.
Procedure for reporting concerns
If you have a concern about a child, you must follow preschool safeguarding procedures. You must complete a cause of concern form and report to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Alternatively, The following contact is available:
Minor Concerns- Report to DSL, Channel Programme or MASH
Major Concerns- Police 101 or the Anti- Terrorist Hotline 0800789321
Terrorist Material found- 0800789321 0r 999
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They can talk to you in confidence about your concerns and help you gain access to support and advice. The Department for Education has dedicated a telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable staff and governors to raise concerns relating to extremism directly.
Concerns can also be raised by email to counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk. Please note that the helpline is not intended for use in emergency situations, such as a child being at immediate risk of harm or a security incident, in which case the normal emergency procedures should be followed.