Schools given advice on preventing extremism

Schools secretary Ed Balls was today launching advice to schools on how they can help prevent violent extremism.

He is expected to say that schools can play a "key role" in helping young people to recognise and reject moves that could draw them into extremism.

The Government is expected to officially announce the launch of its "learning to be safe kit" which shows schools how to raise awareness and address the issues and threats of terrorism.

The toolkit should give practical advice to teachers about they can build respect between pupils, encourage feedback and provide support to pupils who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.

It follows on from wide-ranging guidance issued by the Government in June for local communities on how to identify and challenge extremists.

The guidance said local groups which challenge the messages of violent extremists should be supported.

If a group is found to be promoting violent extremism, local agencies and the police should consider disrupting or removing funding, and deny access to public facilities, it suggested.

The guidance also contained a "de-radicalisation" strategy to stop people from getting involved in extremist violence and make young people feel more valued.

Of today's launch, Christine Blower, acting general secretary of the National Union of Teachers (NUT) said that for the objectives of the guidance to be achieved, trust had to be maintained in schools.

She said: "No teacher will ignore obvious information about a specific, real threat, but it is vital that teachers are able to discuss with and listen to pupils, without feeling that they have to report every word."

She added: "Tiny, violent political groups can present a significant threat to large numbers of people. Terrorist threats have to be tackled. It's worth remembering that groups such as those from the far right can pose intimidatory threats to their communities, as serious as those from al Qaida.

"The significant section within the guidance on the curriculum argues for much greater professional freedom to be allowed to teachers who are on the front line of promoting community cohesion.

"There is a very strong argument for providing the time and space in schools to enable teachers to work through the issues posed by determined individuals who are committed to recruiting young people to violent causes."

Interesting? Click here to explore further