Preventing Radicalisation & Extremism
Radicalisation is defined as 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 is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views.
The governing Body of Plympton St. Maurice 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.
Plympton St. Maurice Primary School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. At Plympton St. Maurice Primary School, all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of British Values, including democracy, the rule of the law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and we have an action plan to ensure that all of these areas are covered by the children in school.
- Children are encouraged to adopt and live out our school vision of becoming ‘successful, confident, responsible citizens’. 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 SEAL (social, emotional aspect of learning) assemblies and through the elected school parliament members.
- Children are taught how to keep themselves safe, in and out of school (through ongoing curriculum and during E-safety week 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 extra-curricular learning opportunities.
- 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. 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 e.g. during Hindu workshops and our annual multi-cultural arts week. We also have regular assemblies on different faiths. Children are also taught about how to stay safe when using the internet and we give parents practical advice about this to use at home too.
CLICK HERE to read our Prevent Policy
