Learning together to be safe - UCL Institute of …

1 Learning together to be safeA toolkit to help schools contribute to the prevention of violent extremism1 Introduction 3 Understanding the issues 11 Practical advice for schools 21 Leadership and values 21 Teaching, Learning and the curriculum 27 Pupil support and challenge 33 Managing risk and responding to events 37 Annexes 41 Further information and resources 41 Legal and contractual powers 44 Contents3 Dealing with violent extremism is nothing new. Throughout history there have been groups prepared to use violence to achieve their aims. Twenty years ago the major threat we faced was from Irish terrorism. Today we face a different threat.

2 A small minority seek to radicalise young people with an ideology which justifies the use of violence through a distorted interpretation of a peaceful religion. While violent extremism influenced by Al Qaida poses the greatest threat to life, other forms of extremism and prejudice are also affecting individuals and communities across the country and can be a catalyst for alienation and disaffection and potentially lead to have learnt from past experience that a security response is not enough. We need to address the underlying issues that can attract people towards violent extremist causes. The view expressed on a young woman s blog instead of rappers glamourising gun-crime, it is extremists glamourising terrorism is a reminder of how real this challenge is and the importance of engaging with today s children and young people if we are to make a difference in the longer goal must be to empower young people to come together , with their families and the wider community, to expose violent extremists and reject cruelty and violence in whatever form it takes.

3 Schools can make an important contribution, being a focal point for local communities and helping to build mutual respect and of all persuasions try to paint the world as black and white, accentuating division and difference, and exploiting fears based on ignorance or prejudice. Education can be a powerful weapon against this, equipping young people with the knowledge, skills and reflex to think for themselves, to challenge and to debate; and giving young people the opportunity to learn about different cultures and faiths and, crucially, to gain an understanding of the values we ideas, developing a sense of identity and forming views are a normal part of growing up.

4 Schools can support young people in this: providing a safe environment for discussing controversial IntroductionLearning together to be safe4issues and helping young people understand how they can influence and participate in decision-making. We need to encourage young people to express their views but also to appreciate the impact their views can have on others, to take responsibility for their actions and to understand that the use of violence to further any cause is also need to recognise that, while it remains very rare for school age children to become involved in extremist activity to the point of committing criminal acts, young people can be exposed to extremist influences or prejudiced views, including via the internet, from an early age.

5 As with other forms of criminality or risk of harm, early intervention is always preferable. Schools, working with other local partners, families and communities, can help support pupils who may be vulnerable as part of wider safeguarding have spent a lot of time over recent months talking to young people, teachers, local authorities, police and community representatives about the challenge of preventing violent extremism . I have been struck by your commitment and readiness to engage with what is one of the most challenging and important issues facing our society have asked for more practical advice and support about the positive contribution you can make in partnership with others in your local area.

6 This toolkit aims to do that, building on much of the excellent work already taking place in schools and communities across the toolkit is not exhaustive, nor does it aim to be prescriptive local partners will need to work together to develop responses that are tailored to particular communities needs. For that reason I am asking local authorities to work with the police and others to provide customised information to go alongside the toolkit and to take the lead in ensuring all local schools are aware of the issues and are supported in this violent extremism must be a shared endeavour. I am grateful to young people and to colleagues across the education community and beyond for their views and input to this work so far.

7 I look forward to working with you further as we move forward together to build more cohesive and resilient communities, helping all children and young people to achieve their potential, make a positive contribution and stay BallsSecretary of State for Children, Schools and Families A toolkit to help schools contribute to the prevention of violent extremism5 The effects of terrorism and violent extremism have an impact on everyone in society, including young people. Young people from all backgrounds need to be empowered to discuss matters relating to terrorism and preventing violent extremism on their own terms. We need more support for teachers who are dealing with such sensitive subjects.

8 As a Muslim myself, to deal with extremism , we have to incorporate all faiths in these discussions. Teachers should be given support and materials which they can use to achieve this. Usman Nawaz, age 18, Member of UK Youth Parliament for RochdaleAims of the toolkitIn June 2008, the Government published guidance to local partners on preventing violent extremism that emphasised the importance of working with children and young people and encouraged local partnerships to engage with schools and colleges. This toolkit supplements that guidance, responding to calls for more practical advice specifically focused on the education context. It is the product of discussions with young people, teachers, local authorities, police and community representatives across the country.

9 This toolkit seeks to:raise awareness amongst schools of the threat from violent extremist groups and the risks for young people provide information about what can cause violent extremism , about preventative actions taking place locally and nationally and about where schools can get additional information and advice help schools understand the positive contribution they can make to empowering young people to create communities that are more resilient to extremism , and protecting the wellbeing of particular pupils or groups who may be vulnerable to being drawn into violent extremist activity provide advice on managing risks and responding to incidents locally, nationally or internationally that might have an impact on the school communityThe purpose throughout is to support the confidence and capacity of staff and to encourage local partnership working.

10 Learning together to be safe6 Who the toolkit is forThis toolkit is for all primary, secondary and special schools in England including independent schools (it is also relevant for staff in pupil referral units and other alternative provision). The nature and extent of the threat from violent extremism will vary across the country. However all communities are affected, whether directly or indirectly; and in an increasingly inter-connected world it is important young people are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for the future regardless of where they go to school. It is therefore important that all schools are aware of the issues and consider what actions are appropriate, in conjunction with local partners.