Protecting Young People, Promoting Understanding and Building Resilience
Every young person deserves to feel safe, respected and supported as they develop their own identity, beliefs and understanding of the world.
Creating an environment where learners can explore different perspectives, ask questions and express themselves confidently is an important part of our safeguarding commitment at GUST Independent School.
We believe that education, positive relationships and open conversations play a vital role in helping young people make informed choices, recognise harmful influences and develop the confidence to think independently.
As part of our wider safeguarding responsibilities, we are committed to fulfilling the Prevent duty, helping to protect learners from the risks of radicalisation and being drawn into terrorism.
What Is the Prevent Duty?
Prevent is part of the Government's wider counter-terrorism strategy. Its purpose is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism by identifying concerns early and providing appropriate support.
Under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, schools have a legal duty to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.
In education, Prevent is approached as a safeguarding responsibility, recognising that some young people may be susceptible to harmful influences, including those encountered online.
The aim is not to restrict individual beliefs or discourage discussion, but to ensure that learners are protected from harm and have access to support when concerns arise.
Our Approach to Prevent at GUST
Our approach to Prevent is rooted in the same nurturing, inclusive and relationship-based principles that guide our wider safeguarding practice.
We aim to create a safe environment where learners feel comfortable expressing their views, exploring different ideas and discussing sensitive subjects with trusted adults.
Through everyday learning, positive relationships and appropriate safeguarding support, we seek to:
-
Promote respect and understanding – encouraging learners to appreciate different cultures, beliefs, backgrounds and perspectives.
-
Develop critical thinking – helping young people question information, recognise manipulation and make informed decisions.
-
Build resilience – supporting learners to recognise and resist harmful influences, including extremist content and online radicalisation.
-
Encourage open conversations – creating opportunities to discuss difficult or sensitive issues in a safe, respectful and supportive environment.
-
Recognise potential concerns – ensuring that safeguarding staff understand how to identify and respond appropriately to possible signs of radicalisation.
-
Provide early support – working with relevant professionals and safeguarding services when a learner may need additional help.
We recognise that every young person's experiences and circumstances are different. Any concerns are considered carefully, sensitively and without assumptions or judgment.
Promoting British Values
An important part of helping young people develop confidence, independence and a positive sense of identity is encouraging an understanding of fundamental British values.
These include:
-
Democracy – understanding the importance of having a voice, listening to others and participating in decisions.
-
The rule of law – recognising the importance of laws, fairness and individual responsibility.
-
Individual liberty – understanding personal freedoms, rights and the responsibilities that accompany them.
-
Mutual respect and tolerance – valuing differences and showing understanding towards people with different faiths, beliefs and backgrounds.
These principles complement our own school values of Determination, Ambition, Respect, Empathy and Self-control, helping learners develop the confidence and understanding to contribute positively to their communities.
Recognising and Responding to Concerns
Radicalisation can take different forms, and there is no single behaviour or characteristic that indicates a young person is at risk.
Concerns may arise from changes in behaviour, exposure to harmful online material or attempts by others to influence a young person's beliefs towards supporting terrorism.
It is important that concerns are considered in context, recognising that young people are entitled to explore ideas, express opinions and develop their own beliefs.
If a concern arises, our safeguarding team will follow the school's established safeguarding procedures, seeking advice and working with relevant professionals where appropriate.
Where additional support is needed, this may include consideration of a referral to Prevent or support through Channel, a voluntary, multi-agency programme designed to help individuals who are susceptible to being drawn into terrorism.
Our priority is always to protect the young person, understand their individual circumstances and ensure that any response is appropriate, proportionate and supportive.
Working Together to Keep Young People Safe
Safeguarding young people from harmful influences is a shared responsibility between schools, families and the wider community.
We encourage parents and carers to maintain open conversations with their children about online experiences, friendships, beliefs and the information they encounter.
Young people should feel confident that they can ask questions, express concerns and seek help without fear of being judged.
By working together, we can help learners develop the awareness, confidence and resilience to navigate challenging situations and make positive, informed choices.
Further Information and Support
If you have concerns about a young person's safety or believe they may be at risk of radicalisation, please contact our safeguarding team.
GUST Prevent Key Adult: Joanne Watmore
GUST Prevent Trustee: Paul Hedley
Telephone: 01670 850 943
Email: info@gustschool.com
Useful Resources
Government Prevent Duty Guidance
Official information about the Prevent duty and safeguarding responsibilities.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance
Educate Against Hate
Government-supported resources for parents, carers and teachers to help protect young people from extremism and radicalisation.
https://www.educateagainsthate.com/
NSPCC
Advice and support for adults concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child.
Helpline: 0808 800 5000
If a child or young person is in immediate danger, call 999.
Our Commitment
Protecting young people from harm means giving them the knowledge, confidence and support to make informed choices while respecting their individuality and right to express themselves.
Through positive relationships, education and a strong safeguarding culture, we aim to ensure that every learner feels safe to ask questions, challenge harmful ideas and seek support whenever they need it.
Our commitment is to help young people grow into confident, compassionate and independent individuals who respect others, value differences and feel empowered to make a positive contribution to society.