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With the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and issues surrounding radicalisation of young people in the UK, Ofsted are looking carefully at how schools are safeguarding children from extremism and radicalisation. Their approach is informed by the Government’s Prevent strategy, which you can read or download here. The Prevent strategy and schools – key documents The government’s  Prevent duty is set out in the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015. This set out four themes: Risk assessment Working in partnership Staff training IT policies In response to this, the DfE published their own guidance to help schools implement the duty. For schools inspected by Ofsted, it will be helpful to read this guidance, in conjunction with Ofsted’s ‘Inspecting Safeguarding 2015’…

In managing behaviour, schools need to prevent and protect. Inevitably, this will sometimes mean making use of reasonable force. But what exactly is ‘reasonable force’? Many teachers discover they can’t answer that question at the worst possible moment. That is, when they are faced with a situation that clearly requires them to use force. With assaults on public sector workers increasing across the board, and around one in twelve teachers suffering a physical assault in the last year, that moment may come sooner than they imagine. Getting the ‘reasonable force’ answer wrong can be disastrous. Using excessive force or incorrect techniques can have serious consequences for students. But the effect on staff can be equally devastating. Allegations of improper use…

For the past 40 years, many home made explosives have been based on nitrogenous fertilisers. As the leading user of ammonium and ammonium nitrate-based fertilisers in the world, the UK has an important responsibility in keeping these materials safe from misuse. Blending, storing, transporting and using fertilisers all create opportunities for terrorists. One simple way we can counter terrorism is simply by making it more difficult to get hold of the materials they need. If you store or transport fertiliser, be aware that it can be used for malicious ends and take steps to prevent it being stolen. Hauliers, importers, manufacturers, farmers and agricultural workers all have their part to play. Regardless of the amount, we all have a responsibility…

The internet has revolutionalised how all of us communicate. Unfortunately, that includes terrorists. Sites that promote radicalisation and terrorist activity, or give information on terrorist methods, have become an integral part of global terrorist activity. In our recent blogs and newsletters, we’ve talked about the need for being vigilant in our day-to-day physical environment. But with the terrorist threat level to the UK currently still severe, we also need to report suspicious materials that we see online. This could include: articles, images, speeches or videos promoting terrorism content that encourages committing terrorist acts websites that appear to have been authored by terrorist organisations videos depicting terrorist attacks The government has made it straightforward to report any material you think is…

The poster we’ve uploaded today is a timely reminder about radicalisation. The simple message is that with help and guidance, people can step away from a radicalised pathway that may ultimately lead to terrorism. You can download the poster here, print off and display.