21 January 2016 weekly update

Dear Colleagues

Counter-extremism in schools

Over the last year we have provided regular updates in relation to the responsibilities and duty that schools have under the Prevent strand of the Government’s Counter Terrorism Strategy ‘CONTEST’. Nick Wilkinson, KCC Prevent Lead Officer has also delivered many training and awareness sessions to schools and area Governor Briefings. As a result of feedback, the KELSI website has been updated. KELSI Prevent is the sixth most popular search term on the website and the Prevent page has received over 2000 visits within the first three months of going live. The threat in relation to international terrorism remains at SEVERE, and as a result of international events this subject is critical to safeguarding children in our schools.

On Friday 15 January 2016 a new research paper on Counter-extremism policy in English Schools was published by the House of Commons library. Counter-extremism policy in schools . This paper has also been uploaded to the KELSI Prevent page and contains very useful background information, which will assist in embedding the Prevent duty within schools. If you have any questions please contact Nick Wilkinson on 03000 417201 or nick.wilkinson@kent.gov.uk or your Area Education Safeguarding Officer.

Following an announcement by the Secretary of State for Education this week, parents and teachers will be able to access help to protect children from radical views via an Educate Against Hate new website offering advice on preventing extremism, as part of a drive to protect children. .

The Education Secretary launched the website, which offers parents, teachers and school leaders practical advice to protect children from the dangers of extremism, drawing on resources and guidance designed by the government and charities such as the NSPCC and Childnet.

Educate Against Hate and further measures to protect children in and out of school are designed to help those closest to children to keep them safe from extreme views.

This is ultimately a safeguarding issue and schools play a vital role in shielding pupils from the dangers of radicalisation.

Last month the government announced that all schools must put in place strengthened measures to protect children from harm online - including the risk of radicalisation - after concerns that children who travelled or attempted to travel to Syria were able to access material about Daesh and foreign fighters via school computers.

In July last year the Government issued new advice to all schools and childcare providers to coincide with the new prevent duty and social media guidance, introduced as part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, which legally requires a range of organisations including schools, local authorities, prisons, police and health bodies to take steps to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

For more information please contact Nick Wilkinson on 03000 417201 or nick.wilkinson@kent.gov.uk.

Patrick Leeson
Corporate Director for Education and Young People's Services