Brushwood Junior School is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all its pupils. As a school we recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. All staff 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

Definitions

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.

Procedures for referrals

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Brushwood Junior 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 appropriate channels, currently through the Designated Safeguarding Lead )Mrs Joanne Robertson) or Deputy DSLs (Mrs. Kirsty Haines or Mrs. Emily Stevens).

The Designated Safeguarding Leads will deal swiftly with any concerns reported by staff.

The Headteacher will discuss the most appropriate course of action on a case-by-case basis and will decide when a referral to external agencies is needed. Where a referral is needed, the guide for referrals to CHANNEL, as set-out by the local authority will be followed (see appendix of Child Protection Policy 2023/24)

The role of the curriculum

Brushwood's curriculum promotes respect, tolerance and diversity. We are committed to ensuring that our pupils are offered a broad and balanced curriculum that aims to prepare them for life in modern Britain. Children are encouraged to share their views and recognise that they are entitled to have their own different beliefs which should not be used to influence others. Our PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) provision is embedded across the curriculum, and underpins the ethos of the school.  Teaching the schools’ core values of Confidence, Collaboration, Ambition, Resilience and Respect, alongside the fundamental British values supports quality teaching and learning, whilst making a positive contribution to the development of a fair, just and civil society. Children are regularly taught about how to stay safe when using the Internet and are encouraged to recognise that people are not always who they say they are online. They are taught to seek adult help if they are upset or concerned about anything they read or see on the Internet.

Role of the Governing Body

The Governing Body of our School will undertake appropriate training to ensure that they are clear about their role and the parameters of their responsibilities as Governors, including their statutory safeguarding duties. The Governing Body will support the ethos and values of our school and will support the school in tackling extremism and radicalisation. In line with the provisions set out in the DfE guidance ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023’ the governing body will challenge the school’s senior leadership team on the delivery of this policy and monitor its effectiveness. 

Staff Training

Through INSET opportunities in school, we will ensure that our staff are fully aware of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that are linked to radicalisation; are aware of the process of radicalisation and how this might be identified early on.

Links to other policies:

• Child Protection
• Anti-bullying policy
• Behaviour policy
• Online Safety policy

Recruitment

The arrangements for recruiting all staff, permanent and volunteers, to our school will follow Buckinghamshire's guidance for safer recruitment best practice in education settings, including, but not limited to, ensuring that DBS checks are always made at the appropriate level, that references are always received and checked and that we complete and maintain a single central record of such vetting checks. We will apply safer recruitment best practice principles and sound employment practice in general and in doing so will deny opportunities for inappropriate recruitment or advancement. We will be alert to the possibility that persons may seek to gain positions within our school so as to unduly influence our schools character and ethos. We are aware that such persons seek to limit the opportunities for our pupils thereby rendering them vulnerable to extremist views and radicalisation as a consequence. Therefore, by adhering to safer recruitment best practice techniques and by ensuring that there is an ongoing culture of vigilance within our school and staff team we will minimise the opportunities for extremist views to prevail.