Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, we have a duty to safeguard at-risk or vulnerable children and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism. This includes referring any concerns of extremism to the appropriate authorities.
Children can be exposed to various views and information sources, some of which may be considered radical or extreme. Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support or be involved in extremism and terrorism. It's often gradual, making it difficult for young people to recognize what's happening.
Radicalisation is a form of harm that may involve:
- Online or in-person grooming
- Exploitation, including sexual exploitation
- Psychological manipulation
- Exposure to violent or inappropriate content
- Risk of physical harm or death through extremist acts
As part of the Prevent Duty and Promoting British Values, all early years childcare providers must have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism". Our Prevent Policy works alongside other safeguarding policies, as required by Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE 2015).
To fulfil our Prevent duty, we will:
- Provide appropriate staff training
- Promote age-appropriate British values
- Assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism
- Ensure staff understand and can respond to risks
- Be aware of online radicalisation risks
- Monitor changes in children's behaviour
- Engage effectively with parents and families
- Take action on concerning behavior
- Work with relevant authorities and support services
If we have concerns about a child, we will follow our normal safeguarding procedures and contact:
Brighton & Hove
East Sussex