Prevent & Counter Terrorism

Everyone at Whitehill Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all of our children. We believe that safeguarding against radicalisation and extreme views is no different from safeguarding against any other threat children might face.

All staff are expected to uphold, promote and model the British Values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

On 1 July 2015 the Prevent Duty (Section 26) of The Counter-Terrorism & Security Act 2015 came into force. This duty placed the responsibility on local authorities, which includes schools, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

As part of our commitment to safeguarding and child protection we ensure that we meet all of the statutory obligations outlined in the government’s Prevent Strategy.

Throughout their time at Whitehill Primary, our pupils are given a broad range of activities and learning opportunities which enable them to become well-rounded and respectful individuals, who are compassionate, tolerant and are prepared for the next stage of their school life, as well as developing into positive young citizens. 

We ensure that our pupils:

• Learn about, and understand, other cultures and religions which may differ from their own
• Are inclusive and thoughtful individuals who embrace diversity
• Feel safe and secure in our school
• Feel able to confidently ask questions which promote critical thinking.

We ensure that as a school we:

• Provide opportunities to explore other religions and cultures, through community events or trips and visits
• Provide a safe space for pupils to discuss thoughts or issues
• Actively challenge discriminatory or racist comments/behaviour
• Promote the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all of our pupils
• Ensure that pupils are not exposed to views/material which promotes violent/extreme views of any nature.

In all of the above staff promote and uphold these values through their teaching and learning each day.  Any discussions or lessons are always taught appropriately to pupils, taking into account their age and maturity.

Finally, extremist and violent views/behaviour can take many forms, whether this is political, religious, misogynistic or homophobic.  None of these are acceptable in a tolerant and respectful community and some of these may be a bigger threat in our area than others.   Considering this we will endeavor to give our pupils the skills appropriate for them to protect themselves from extremists views which they may encounter, now or later on in their lives.