Preventing Radicalisation
The School Standards Board of Floreat Montague Park Primary School has a zero tolerance approach to extremist behaviour for all school community members. We rely on our strong values to steer our work and ensure the pastoral care of our children protects them from exposure to negative influences.
Radicalisation:
The act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme or fundamental changes in political, economic or social conditions, institutions or habits of the mind.
Extremism:
The holding of extreme political or religious views.
Floreat Montague Park is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its children. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All staff and governors are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.
- Children are encouraged to adopt and live out our School Virtues. These complement the key “British Values” of tolerance, respect, understanding, compassion and harmonious living
- Children are helped to understand the importance of democracy and freedom of speech, through the Personal Development Programme including assemblies, Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE), Social, Moral, Spiritual and Cultural education (SMSC) and the Rights Respecting School Programme (RRS) organised with UNICEF.
- Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, in and out of school (through the ongoing Computing and Relationships and Health Education curriculum and when using the internet)
- Children participate in local community events so that they appreciate and value their neighbours and friends who may not share their faith background
- Children’s wellbeing, confidence and resilience is promoted through our planned curriculum and additional activities such as educational and residential visits
- Children are supported in making good choices from a very young age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others
The Role of the Curriculum
Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. Children are encouraged to express themselves through discussions, debates and consultations. The RE (Religious Education), PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education), Citizenship and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural) provision is embedded across the curriculum through our Personal Development Programme. It is complemented by our RRSA work and Relationship and Health Education work.
Children learn about all major faiths and visit places of worship wherever possible. We also invite representatives from different religions into school to talk to the children. We also have regular assemblies on different faiths. Children are taught how to stay safe when using the internet the concept of safety is embedded in the culture of the school. We give parents practical advice about this to use at home too for example, during our information evening on online safety.
Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Floreat Montague Park Primary School to date, it is important for us to be constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the region in which we teach. Staff are reminded to suspend any professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation ‘could not happen here’ and to refer any concerns through the Designated Safeguarding Leads.
