Radicalisation
Radicalisation is the process through which a person comes to support or be involved in extremist ideologies. It can result in a person becoming drawn into terrorism and is in itself a form of harm. Extremism is 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. It includes calls for the death of members of the British armed forces (HM Government, 2011).
How Goldington Academy Protects Children
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Including radicalisation in our safeguarding policies and procedures
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Ensuring staff complete WRAP training annually
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Identifying pupils potentially at risk and working with services like Early Help to support them
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Ensuring all staff know when and how to report a concern
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Ensuring pupils have a trusted adult in school
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Closely monitoring attendance patterns and absence requests
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Working with other organisations to promote tolerance (e.g., The Anne Frank Trust)
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Promoting positive messages of British Values through assemblies, collective worship, and the curriculum
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Using direct interventions following low-level concerns (e.g., Show Racism the Red Card)
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Using restorative justice to resolve disputes fairly
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Ensuring pupils have a voice through School Council and half-termly pupil voice meetings
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Maintaining a strong anti-bullying ethos across the school
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Allowing pupils to be leaders, e.g., subject ambassadors, anti-bullying ambassadors, Anne Frank Ambassadors
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Ensuring all pupils have equal access to the school’s extra-curricular opportunities
Online Risks and Parental Safeguards
There is no single driver for radicalisation, nor one route to being radicalised. Increasingly, victims are targeted online through social media and online games. Parents can reduce risk by:
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Setting up WiFi filters to block potentially risky sites
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Routinely checking children’s social media profiles and friends lists
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Ensuring privacy settings are enabled on social media
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Regularly discussing online activity and e-safety with children
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Setting boundaries around internet usage and screen time
Potential Indicators of Radicalisation
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Feeling their religion is under threat
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A sudden new interest in religion or politics
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Not being open to other viewpoints
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Having strong political views unusual for the child’s age
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Using political or racist language unusual for their age
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A sudden change in routine or appearance
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Becoming secretive
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Becoming withdrawn from family or friends
If parents are concerned that their child is potentially being radicalised, they should seek support from the school and the Police at the earliest opportunity. Additional support can be found at the links below: