Prevent

Our Commitment

At Yateley School, the safety and wellbeing of every student is our highest priority. We are committed to creating an environment where young people feel safe, respected and able to explore different ideas, beliefs and opinions in a supportive and balanced way.

Prevent sits alongside our wider safeguarding work and helps us:

• Protect students from harm.
• Promote respect, tolerance and inclusion.
• Encourage critical thinking and informed discussion.
• Support students who may be vulnerable to exploitation.
• Work closely with families and external agencies when concerns arise.

Key Definitions

Radicalisation

The process by which a person comes to support extremist beliefs, ideologies or actions that may lead them towards terrorism.

Extremism

The promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that seeks to undermine the rights and freedoms of others.

Terrorism

The use or threat of serious violence designed to influence governments or intimidate the public for political, religious or ideological purposes.

Vulnerability

Factors that may make a young person more susceptible to influence, manipulation or exploitation by extremist individuals or groups.

What Are the Signs of Radicalisation?

There is no single indicator that a young person is being radicalised. However, parents and carers may notice changes such as:

• Becoming increasingly isolated from friends or family.
• Expressing intolerant or hateful views towards others.
• Showing an unhealthy fixation on a particular ideology or cause.
• Repeating extremist messages encountered online.
• Displaying a sudden rejection of previously held values or friendships.
• Increased secrecy around online activity.
• Accessing or sharing extremist material.
• Justifying violence as a solution to social or political issues.

These signs do not necessarily mean that a young person is being radicalised, but they may indicate that support is needed.

The Online Environment

Young people spend significant amounts of time online and may encounter harmful content through:

• Social media platforms.
• Online gaming communities.
• Video-sharing websites.
• Encrypted messaging applications.
• Forums and discussion groups.

Parents are encouraged to:

• Take an active interest in their child's online activity.
• Discuss online content openly and without judgement.
• Encourage critical thinking about information found online.
• Use parental controls where appropriate.
• Report harmful or extremist content.

What Does Prevent Look Like in School?

As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we:

• Train staff to recognise concerns.
• Promote British values including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance.
• Teach students how to stay safe online.
• Encourage respectful discussion and debate.
• Work with safeguarding partners when concerns arise.
• Support students through appropriate pastoral interventions.

Any concerns are considered carefully, proportionately and in line with safeguarding procedures.

Advice for Parents and Carers

If You Are Concerned About Your Child

If you notice changes in behaviour, attitudes or online habits that cause concern:

1. Stay calm and avoid confrontation.
2. Talk openly and listen carefully to your child.
3. Ask questions and seek to understand their views.
4. Encourage discussion and critical thinking.
5. Avoid isolating or punishing them solely because of their opinions.
6. Seek advice early if concerns persist.

Additional Support

Where appropriate, concerns may be referred to specialist safeguarding services. Support is intended to help and safeguard young people and their families.

If there is an immediate risk to someone's safety or you believe a crime may be taking place, contact the police on 999.

Further Information

For more information, parents and carers may wish to visit:

• GOV.UK Prevent Duty Guidance
• Educate Against Hate
• ACT Early
• NSPCC Online Safety Advice

Working Together to Keep Young People Safe

The overwhelming majority of young people will never be affected by radicalisation. By maintaining strong relationships, encouraging open conversations and working together, schools and families can help ensure that every young person remains safe, informed and resilient.

References

This page is based on the UK Government Prevent Duty Guidance and safeguarding advice published by the Home Office, alongside safeguarding principles reflected in Yateley School's wellbeing and safeguarding information.