Prevent Strategy – Keeping Our Children Safe

What is the Prevent Strategy?

The Prevent strategy is a government initiative aimed at stopping people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist ideas. It applies to all types of extremism, whether political, religious, or otherwise.

How Does Prevent Apply to Schools?

Schools have a responsibility to keep children safe from all types of harm—including radicalisation and extremism. Just like we protect children from drugs and gang violence, we also help them understand and resist extremist views.

Schools are also safe spaces where children can ask questions and discuss sensitive issues in a calm, guided environment.

What Does This Look Like in Our School?

Every school’s approach may look slightly different depending on the age of the children and the needs of the community. However, many of the things we already do help support the Prevent strategy. This includes:

  • Learning about different cultures and religions, and celebrating diversity
  • Challenging prejudice, discrimination, and racist language
  • Encouraging critical thinking and helping children build confidence and self-worth
  • Promoting British values such as democracy, the rule of law, and mutual respect
  • Keeping children safe online and carefully vetting visitors to our school

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Prevent relate to British values?

Since 2014, schools have been required to promote British values—an important part of the Prevent strategy. These values include:

  • Democracy
  • The rule of law
  • Individual liberty
  • Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

Is my child too young to learn about extremism?

We teach these ideas in an age-appropriate way. Prevent is not only about discussing extremism; it’s also about nurturing values like respect, tolerance, and understanding.

Is extremism a risk in our area?

Extremism can come in many forms—political, religious, or ideological. While some risks might seem low in our area, giving children the skills to recognise and challenge harmful ideas now protects them for the future.

Key Terms

  • Extremism: Opposing British values like democracy, rule of law, and tolerance
  • Ideology: A set of ideas or beliefs
  • Terrorism: Violent actions aimed at advancing a political, religious, or ideological cause
  • Radicalisation: The process of coming to support extremist ideas or terrorist groups

Want to Know More?

If you have questions about Prevent or how it affects your child, please get in touch with us at school.

You can also find helpful information here:

  • Kent Safeguarding Children Multi-Agency Partnership
  • What is Prevent? – Let’s Talk About It
  • The Prevent Duty – Gov.uk