Anti-Radicalisation Statement

Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nursery

British Values & Anti-Radicalisation and Extremism Policy

Truly Scrumptious Early Years Nurseries are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of its children and staff members. We recognise that safeguarding against radicalisation is no different from safeguarding against any other vulnerability. At Truly Scrumptious Nursery all staff are expected to uphold and promote the fundamental principles of the British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect, and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

The main aims of this statement are to ensure that staff are fully engaged in being vigilant about radicalisation; that they overcome professional disbelief that such issues will not happen here and ensure that we work alongside other professional bodies and agencies to ensure that our children are safe from harm.

We aim:

• All staff and volunteers will have understanding and an appropriate level of training (home office prevent training) of what radicalisation and extremism are and why we need to be vigilant in nursery.
• Children participate in local community events (such as carnivals) so they appreciate and value their friends and neighbours who may not share their faith background.
• Children are supported in making good choices from any early age, so they understand the impact and consequences of their actions on others.
• All staff will know that the setting policy is on anti-radicalisation and extremism and will follow the procedures when issues arise.
• All parents/carers will know the school has policies in place to keep pupils safe from harm and we (the nursery) regularly review it systems to ensure they are appropriate and effective.

Radicalisation is defined as the act or process of making a person more radical or favouring of extreme of fundamental changes in political, economic, or social conditions, institutions of habits of the mind.

Radicalisation refers to the process by which a person comes to support terrorism and forms of extremism. Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation is seen as part of Truly Scrumptious wider safeguarding duties and is similar in nature to protecting children from other forms of harm and abuse.

There is no single way of identifying who is likely to be susceptible to an ideology. It can happen in many ways and settings. Specific background factors may contribute to vulnerability which are often combined with specific influences such as family, friends or online, and with specific needs for which an extremist or terrorist group appear to provide and answer. The internet and the use of social media has become a major factor in the radicalisation of young people.

Extremism is defined as the holding of extreme political or religious views. It is the vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values. We also include in out definition of extremism calls for the death of members of our armed forces, whether in this country or overseas.

At Truly Scrumptious Nurseries it is essential that staff can identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know what to do when they are identified.

There are several behaviours that might indicate that an individual is at risk of being radicalised or exposed to extreme views. Such behaviours may include:

• Spending increasing time in the company of other suspected extremists
• Changing their style of dress or personal appearance to accord with the group
• Day to day behaviour becoming increasingly centred on an extremist ideology, group of cause
• Loss of interest in other friends and activities not associated with an extremist cause
• Attempts to introduce others to the group/cause
• Communication with others that suggests identification with a group, cause of ideology.
• Using names/language ranging from insulting to derogatory or members of another group

Increase in prejudice-related incidents committed by that person- these may include.

• Physical or verbal assault
• Provocative behaviour
• Damage to property
• Derogatory name calling

Curriculum

Our curriculum promotes respect, tolerance, and diversity. 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.

It is recognised that children with low self-esteem can often be more vulnerable to radicalisation and therefore we strive to equip our children’s confidences, self-belief, respect, and tolerance as well as setting high standards and expectations from them.

Procedures for referrals

Although serious incidents involving radicalisation have not occurred at Truly Scrumptious to date, it is important for us to remain constantly vigilant and remain fully informed about the issues which affect the wider region in which we teach.  Staff are reminded to suspend professional disbelief that instances of radicalisation “could not happen here” and refer any concerns through the appropriate channels.

Staff should understand when it is appropriate to make a referral to the “Channel Programme” Channel is a programme which focuses on providing support at an early stage.

The department of Education has dedicated a telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to raise enable staff to raise concerns relating to extremism directly.  Concerns can also be raised by email to counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk

(Please note that helpline is not intended for use in emergency situations, such as a child being at immediate risk of harm or a security incident, in which case the normal emergency procedures should be followed.

Designated Lead Safeguarding Officer- BRITTANY (Romford) PATRICIA, HAYLEY & KIM (Ongar)

Deputy Safeguarding Officers- LAUREN & DARBY (Romford)

Policy reviewed Brittany V – Manager – 21/03/2023