Prevent Strategy 

Introduction 

This section of our school website is designed to give parents, carers, and other professionals information about the Prevent duty placed upon schools. At Minerva May School, safeguarding and promoting the well-being of our students is at the heart of everything we do. The Prevent strategy is part of our wider approach to ensure children develop the skills, resilience, and values needed to grow up safe and independent. Updates and guidance will be shared via newsletters throughout the school year. 

Our Prevent Lead, Emily Kelly, coordinates all Prevent-related activity and acts as the Single Point of Contact (SPOC). They can be contacted on 01293222502 or emilykelly@minervamayschool.org if you have any concerns regarding radicalisation or extremism. 

What is the Prevent Strategy? 

Prevent is a government initiative aimed at stopping individuals from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting extremist causes. At Minerva May School, we see Prevent as part of nurturing students’ thinking skills so that they develop positive perspectives and do not adopt extreme views. The strategy covers all forms of extremism, including violent Islamist groups, extreme right-wing ideologies, and other forms of radical behaviour. 

How Does Prevent Apply to Schools?

 Since July 2015, all schools have had a statutory duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism. At Minerva May School, this means protecting students from extremist or violent views in the same way we protect them from other risks, such as drugs or gang involvement. We provide a safe environment where pupils can explore challenging issues, understand different perspectives, and learn how to protect themselves and others. 

What Does This Look Like in Practice? 

Many of the strategies we already use to support personal growth also contribute to Prevent. These include:

  • Exploring other cultures, religions, and perspectives to promote diversity

  • Challenging prejudices and behaviours that contradict equality principles

  • Developing thinking skills and a strong, positive self-identity

  • Promoting spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development alongside British values such as democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect

  • We also safeguard students by restricting access to extremist material online and carefully vetting visitors who work with pupils.

At What Age Should We Introduce Extremism Awareness? 

Prevent is not simply about discussing extremism directly, which may not be appropriate for younger children. It is about teaching values such as tolerance, respect, and responsible citizenship. All discussions are age-appropriate and tailored to the maturity of our students. 

Is Extremism a Risk in Our Area? 

Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious, and misogynistic ideologies. Some threats may be more prevalent in certain local contexts than others. Our focus is on equipping students with the skills to recognise and protect themselves from extremist influences both now and in the future.

Key Terms 

· Extremism: Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as

democracy, the rule of law, and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs

· Ideology: A set of beliefs that guide an individual’s behaviour

· Terrorism: Violent action against people or property designed to create fear

and advance a political, religious, or ideological cause

· Radicalisation: The process by which a person comes to support extremist

behaviour or views

Our Commitment

Minerva May School is committed to providing a safe, nurturing environment where students can grow into independent, responsible, and well-rounded individuals. Prevent is an integral part of our curriculum, culture, and ethos, supporting our core principles of Nurturing Independence and empowering children to make informed, positive choices.