Duty of Care

Equal Opportunities and British Values

Policy statement

We will ensure that our service is fully inclusive in meeting the needs of all children, particularly those that arise from their ethnic heritage, social and economic background, gender, ability or disability. Our setting is committed to anti-discriminatory practice to promote equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all children and families. In accordance with DfE requirements we also promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.

Prevent Duty

The Prevent Duty & Promoting British Values From 1st July 2015 all schools, registered early years childcare providers and registered later years childcare providers are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, in the exercise of their functions, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

This duty is known as the Prevent duty. Here at Rebeccas we take Safeguarding very seriously, therefore to ensure that we adhere to and achieve the Prevent duty we will;

1. Provide staff with information to identify children who may be at risk of radicalisation.

2. We will build the children’s resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British values and enabling them to challenge extremist views (for early years providers the statutory framework for the EYFS sets standards for learning, development and care for children from 0-5, thereby assisting their personal, social and emotional development and understanding of the world).

3. We will be aware of the online risk of radicalisation through the use of social media and the internet.

4. As with managing other safeguarding risks, our staff will be alert to changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate that they may be in need of help or protection (children at risk of radicalisation may display different signs or seek to hide their views). We know our key children well and so we will notice any changes in behaviour, demeanour or personality quickly.

5. We will not carry out unnecessary intrusion into family life but we will take action when we observe behaviour of concern. Rebeccas already have a rapport with our families so we will notice any changes in behaviour, demeanour or personality quickly.

6. We will build up an effective engagement with parents/carers and families. (This is important as they are in a key position to spot signs of radicalisation).

7. We will assist and advise families who raise concerns with us. It is important to assist and advise families who raise concerns and be able to point them to the right support mechanisms.

8. We will ensure that our Managers of each setting will undertake Prevent awareness training (as a minimum) so that they can offer advice and support to other members of staff.

What to do if you suspect that children are at the risk of radicalisation:

Follow the setting normal Safeguarding Procedures including discussing with the manager/owner, and where deemed necessary, with children’s social care. In Prevent priority areas, the local authority will have a Prevent lead who can also provide support. The Safeguarding Lead can also contact the local police force or dial 101 (the non-emergency number). They will then talk in confidence about the concerns and help to access support and advice. The Department for Education has dedicated a telephone helpline (020 7340 7264) to enable staff to raise concerns relating to extremism directly. Concerns can also be raised by email to counter.extremism@education.gsi.gov.uk. Channel Programme 020 7340 7264 to report any concerns.

Equal Opportunities & British Values

We will ensure that our service is fully inclusive in meeting the needs of all children, particularly those that arise from their ethnic heritage, social and economic background, gender, ability or disability. Our setting is committed to anti-discriminatory practice to promote equality of opportunity and valuing diversity for all children and families. In accordance with DfE requirements we also promote the fundamental British Values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.