Scope

Preventing Extremism and Radicalisation is one element within our overall arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students in line with our statutory duties. This policy draws upon the Government’s ‘Prevent’ agenda and associated statutory prevent duty guidance for further education institutions in England and Wales.

Introduction

When operating this policy, Wisdom House uses the following accepted Governmental definition of extremism: ‘Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs; and/or calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas’.

The Policy

Wisdom House does not tolerate extremist views of any kind whether from internal sources: learners or staff, or external sources: Wisdom House community, external agencies or individuals. Students see Wisdom House as a safe place where they can explore controversial issues safely and where our lecturers encourage and facilitate this. We have a duty to ensure this happens.

As a place for study, we recognise that extremism and exposure to extremist materials and influences can lead to poor outcomes for students and so should be addressed as a safeguarding concern as set out in this policy. We also recognise that if we fail to challenge extremist views, we are failing to protect our students.

Therefore, we will provide a broad and balanced tutorial programme, delivered by skilled professionals, so that our students understand and become tolerant of difference and diversity. We will ensure that they feel valued and not marginalized.

Any prejudice, discrimination or extremist views, including derogatory language, displayed by students or staff will always be challenged and where appropriate dealt with in accordance with our student behaviour policy.

• As part of wider safeguarding responsibilities, staff will be alert to:
• The importance of promoting British values through the curriculum.
• Disclosures by students, of their exposure to the extremist actions, views or materials of others outside, such as in their homes or community groups, especially where students have not actively sought these out.
• Graffiti symbols, writing or art work promoting extremist messages or images.
• Students accessing extremist material online, including through social networking sites.
• Parental reports of changes in behaviour, friendship or actions and requests for assistance. Partner colleges, local authority services, and police reports of issues affecting students in other colleges or settings.
• Students voicing opinions drawn from extremist ideologies and narratives.
• Use of extremist or ‘hate’ terms to exclude others or incite violence.
• Intolerance of difference, whether secular or religious or, in line with our Equalities Policy, views based on, but not exclusive to, gender, disability, homophobia, race, colour or culture.
• Attempts to impose extremist views or practices on others.
• Anti-western or anti-British views.
• We will closely follow the locally agreed procedures set out by the local authority or Children’s Board for safeguarding individuals vulnerable to extremism and radicalisation. We will actively engage with the police, and regional DfE Further Education Prevent Coordinators.
• We will help support students who may be vulnerable to such influences as part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities; where we believe a student is being directly affected by extremist materials or influences, we will ensure that the student is offered support. In such instances we will seek external support from the Local Authority and/or local partnership structures working to prevent extremism.
• By delivering a broad and balanced tutorial programme, augmented by the use of external sources where appropriate, we will strive to ensure our students recognise risk and build resilience to manage any such risk themselves where appropriate to their age and ability but also to help them develop the critical thinking skills needed to engage in informed debate.
• IT Usage
• Regular and stringent checks will be made on firewalls, to ensure that access to illegal and inappropriate sites is prevented. IT usage will be closely monitored by the IT team in order to identify and address inappropriate use. Guest log-ins will be tracked to eliminate risk of anonymised inappropriate access. Reports of attempts to access inappropriate websites will be provided to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Guest Speakers
• We will pay particular attention to guest speakers and events and ensure that materials and resources do not encourage or promote radicalisation or extremism. A register of guest speakers will be maintained and vetting of both speakers and their materials will be carried out before approval is granted.
• Staff Training
• All staff will undergo ‘PREVENT’ online training with a particular focus on the susceptibilities and influencing factors which lead a young person to have extremist views. They will understand their duties with regards to raising concerns and how young people can be further supported.
• Raising Concerns
• Where there are concerns of extremism or radicalisation, students and staff will be encouraged to discuss them with the Designated Safeguarding Lead. The procedure for reporting and referring safeguarding concerns will apply unless the threat is immediate and life threatening in which case the police will be contacted.
• Role of Wisdom House Ownership
• In line with the provisions set out in the DfE guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2019’ the owners of Wisdom House will challenge the senior management team on the delivery of this policy and monitor its effectiveness. The owner(s) will review this policy annually and may amend and adopt it outside of this timeframe in accordance with any new legislation or guidance or in response to any quality assurance recommendations pertaining to the delivery of this policy and the overall safeguarding arrangements made.