Definition
What do we mean by the term radicalisation?
Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism leading to terrorism. There is no obvious profile of anyone likely to become involved in extremism or a single indicator of when a person might move to adopt violence in support of extremist ideas. The process of radicalisation is different for every individual and can take place over an extended period or within a very short time frame.
What do we mean by the term prevention?
Prevention means reducing or eliminating the risk of individuals or groups becoming involved in terrorism. Prevent involves the identification and referral of those susceptible to violent extremism into appropriate interventions. These interventions are aimed to stop the vulnerable being radicalised. Extremists will always target the vulnerable in a bid to spread their firmly held, but flawed, ideologies, but we must tackle them at source and prevent people being brainwashed into terrorism.
Anti-Radicalisation Policy
It is essential that staff are aware and can identify students that may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know what to once they have been identified. Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of schools’ and childcare providers’ wider safeguarding duties, and is similar in nature to protecting children from other harms (e.g. drugs, gangs, neglect, sexual exploitation), whether these come from within their family or are the product of outside influences.
The general risks affecting children and young people may vary from area to area, and according to their age. Local Guardians are in an important position to identify risks within a given local context. It is important that British Guardianship understand these risks so that we can respond in an appropriate and proportionate way. At the same time British Guardianship should be aware of the increased risk of online radicalisation.
If a member of staff has a concern about a particular pupil they should discuss this with the DSL, and where deemed necessary by a Partner, with children’s social care. In Prevent priority areas, the local authority will have a Prevent lead who can also provide support. British Guardianship may also contact the local police force. This is to gain professional advice if needed.
