Respect / Prevent Policy
| Policy Item | Involving | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Statement The English Language Centre Bristol (ELC) has a responsibility to provide a safe and supportive environment for all students and staff, with particular regard to students under the age of 18 and vulnerable adults. As part of its wider safeguarding responsibilities, ELC recognises the importance of preventing people from being drawn into terrorism. ELC will seek to meet its responsibilities under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the applicable Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales, as outlined in this policy. | Everyone | ||
| 2 | Context The English Language Centre Bristol (ELC) welcomes students aged 16 and over from around the world throughout the year. During its busiest weeks, ELC may have up to 200 students, 30 staff members and approximately 100 homestay providers. This means that safeguarding responsibilities extend across the school, its staff and its accommodation network. ELC promotes an inclusive, multicultural environment in which everyone is treated with dignity and respect, and differences in culture, religion, beliefs and backgrounds are respected. The school does not tolerate discrimination, harassment or the promotion of violence or terrorism. ELC is based in a Bristol suburb with its own local social and demographic characteristics. These, together with the diverse backgrounds of its students and the nature of its educational provision, are considered when reviewing safeguarding and Prevent-related risks. | Everyone | ||
| 3 | Strong Leadership Overall responsibility for overseeing ELC's approach to Prevent and ensuring that appropriate safeguarding arrangements are in place rests with John Duncan, Director. Mark Calland, Vice-Principal, is responsible for maintaining and reviewing the Prevent risk assessment, action plan and policy (see Section 4). Andrew Edwards, Principal, and Neil Mullens, Director of Operations, support the day-to-day management of student welfare and safeguarding concerns, including concerns relating to radicalisation and extremism. The staff named above are responsible for ensuring that the arrangements described in this policy are implemented effectively. This includes reviewing identified risks, ensuring that appropriate action is taken, making sure staff understand how to report concerns, and ensuring that concerns are escalated and referred to the appropriate agencies when necessary. | Lead person for Prevent (Mark Calland) |
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| 4 | Risk Assessment of current situation and Action Plan for future A risk assessment / action plan has been produced showing what is already being done and what still needs to be done; it will be reviewed and updated at least annually. | Lead person | ||
| 5 | Working with local partners Maintain appropriate contact with the local police Prevent team and the relevant local authority Prevent coordinator to understand their roles, obtain advice and guidance, and establish what support is available, including through the Channel process where appropriate. Liaise with the local authority to identify other relevant local safeguarding services, specialist organisations and support agencies that may assist ELC in responding to concerns. Develop and maintain links with other local educational institutions and relevant organisations to share good practice, strengthen safeguarding arrangements and improve understanding of local Prevent-related risks. Share information with relevant agencies and organisations when necessary and appropriate, in accordance with safeguarding procedures, data protection requirements and applicable information-sharing guidance. | Lead person | ||
| 6 | Understanding the terminology Radicalisation: The process by which a person comes to legitimise support for, or the use of, terrorist violence. Extremism: For the purposes of the UK Government's 2024 definition, extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance that aims to: Negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others. Undermine, overturn or replace the UK's system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights. Intentionally create an environment in which others can achieve either of these aims. Holding strong political or religious views, expressing controversial opinions or engaging in lawful protest does not, in itself, constitute extremism. Fundamental British values: In the Prevent context, these include: Democracy. The rule of law. Individual liberty. Mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. ELC promotes these values through its commitment to equality, inclusion, respectful discussion and the safety and dignity of all members of its community. Racism, homophobia and other forms of prejudice or discrimination are addressed through ELC's wider safeguarding, equality and behaviour policies. Where relevant, concerns should be assessed in context and in accordance with this policy and the appropriate reporting procedures. | Everyone | ||
| 7 | Understanding risk of extremism Staff, students and other adults who work with or support ELC students, including group leaders and homestay providers, may already hold extremist views or may encounter influences that could lead them to support extremist ideologies or terrorism. Potential influences include online content and social media, peer or family pressure, world events, personal or political grievances, discrimination, bullying, social isolation and contact with people who promote extremist ideologies. These influences may affect individuals in different ways. Some people may be more susceptible to radicalisation because of their individual circumstances or support needs. Relevant factors may include a loss of identity or sense of belonging, isolation, exclusion, trauma, emotional or mental wellbeing difficulties, personal problems or a perceived sense of injustice. However, no single factor, personal characteristic or set of circumstances indicates that someone is being radicalised. Staff should consider any concerns in context, taking account of relevant changes in behaviour, language, relationships or online influences, alongside protective factors and the individual's wider circumstances. ELC staff should remain alert to safeguarding concerns, avoid making assumptions based on a person's background, beliefs or personal circumstances, and follow the school's safeguarding and Prevent reporting procedures whenever they have concerns. | Everyone | ||
| 8 | Ways to counteract risks Promote a safe and supportive environment.Establish clear expectations for respectful behaviour and make clear that discrimination, harassment, threats, incitement to violence and the promotion of terrorism will not be tolerated. Ensure that students know how to raise concerns and seek support. Promote fundamental British values.Reflect democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs in the school's management, teaching and curriculum. Explain these values in an inclusive and culturally sensitive way, encouraging students to explore similarities and differences between societies through respectful discussion. Develop critical thinking and online awareness. Encourage students to question information, consider the reliability of sources, recognise misinformation and understand how extremist groups may use online platforms to influence people. Respond appropriately to concerning views or behaviour. Staff should address discriminatory or harmful comments in accordance with the school's behaviour and safeguarding procedures. Where comments or behaviour raise concerns about radicalisation or support for terrorism, staff should report them promptly through the school's established safeguarding and Prevent reporting procedures (see Section 10). Concerns should be assessed in context and should not be based solely on lawful political or religious opinions. Respond to significant local or international events. Where events such as terrorist attacks or international conflicts may cause distress or lead to tensions within the school community, the Prevent lead should coordinate an appropriate response. This may include offering support, facilitating respectful discussion and addressing misinformation or discriminatory behaviour. Maintain appropriate online safety measures. Ensure that school IT systems have suitable filtering and monitoring arrangements, where appropriate, and that acceptable-use rules explain the responsible use of school equipment, internet access and online platforms. Review these arrangements regularly and ensure that concerns identified through them are reported and managed appropriately. Manage visiting speakers and external activities.Carry out proportionate checks and risk assessments for visiting speakers, presenters and organisations. Ensure that school premises and activities are not used to promote terrorism or encourage support for terrorist organisations, and establish clear procedures for managing any identified risks. Build positive relationships with students.Staff and homestay providers should foster supportive relationships with students and, where appropriate, understand relevant aspects of their welfare and circumstances. This helps them recognise significant changes in behaviour or wellbeing that may indicate a need for support. Recognise and report concerns.Staff and homestay providers should remain alert to relevant safeguarding concerns, including changes in behaviour, language, relationships or online influences. They should report concerns through the established procedures rather than attempting to investigate them independently. Provide appropriate welfare support.ELC should ensure that students who may be experiencing isolation, exclusion, distress or other difficulties can access appropriate pastoral support and, where necessary, specialist services. Support should be proportionate to individual needs and should take account of both risk factors and protective factors. | Everyone | ||
| 9 | Training and Awareness Staff training ELC will provide appropriate training, guidance and updates to ensure that staff understand this policy and their responsibilities within the school's safeguarding arrangements. Training may include written materials, online courses, face-to-face sessions and staff briefings, as appropriate to individual roles. Training will cover: a) The purpose of Prevent and its relationship to safeguarding. b) Staff responsibilities under this policy and the importance of following the school's procedures. c) Relevant terminology and an understanding of radicalisation, extremism and the risks associated with terrorism. d) How to recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, including concerns that someone may be susceptible to radicalisation. e) The measures ELC uses to reduce and manage Prevent-related risks. f) Potential indicators of concern and the importance of considering these in context rather than in isolation. g) The identity of the designated Prevent lead, the procedures for reporting concerns and the arrangements for escalation when the lead is unavailable. h) The importance of professional conduct, including demonstrating respect for others, promoting fundamental British values, encouraging critical thinking and managing sensitive discussions in a balanced and appropriate way. Training will be reviewed periodically and updated when necessary. Records of training will be maintained. Homestay provider training and guidance Homestay providers will receive appropriate guidance on their safeguarding responsibilities, relevant aspects of this policy, possible concerns relating to radicalisation, and how to report concerns promptly to ELC. The information provided will be appropriate to their role and responsibilities. Student and group leader awareness Students and group leaders will be made aware of the key aspects of this policy in language and formats appropriate to their needs. This will include: a) An explanation of relevant terminology and the purpose of Prevent within safeguarding. b) The importance of maintaining a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment. c) An explanation of fundamental British values and how these relate to democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs. d) Relevant school rules, including acceptable use of IT systems, online safety and the use of social media. e) How to report safeguarding concerns or incidents, who to contact and what will happen when a concern is raised. | Everyone | ||
| 10 | Signs That May Cause Concern There is no single indicator that demonstrates a person is being radicalised. Staff should consider concerns in context, taking account of the individual's circumstances, behaviour, any significant changes and other relevant information. Possible indicators of concern may include: - A student expressing support for terrorist organisations, terrorist violence or the use of violence to achieve political, religious or ideological aims. - Significant changes in behaviour, including increasing social withdrawal or isolation, particularly when accompanied by other concerning indicators. - A noticeable decline in academic engagement, attendance or performance when this forms part of a wider pattern of concern. - Increasingly intolerant, dehumanising or divisive language directed towards particular individuals or groups, especially where it appears to justify discrimination or violence. - Expressing views or repeating narratives that appear to justify, glorify or encourage terrorism or violence. - Attempts to pressure others into accepting extremist ideologies, recruit others to an extremist cause, or intimidate people who hold different views. - Using extremist language, symbols or material to threaten, target or incite hatred or violence against others. - Accessing, sharing or promoting online material associated with terrorist organisations or the encouragement of terrorism, where the context raises a genuine safeguarding concern. - Possessing, displaying or distributing material or symbols associated with terrorist organisations in circumstances that give rise to concern. - A student expressing concern about another person's behaviour, statements, online activity or possible involvement with extremist groups. These indicators must not be considered in isolation. Asking questions about sensitive subjects, expressing lawful political or religious opinions, changing religious practices, or experiencing personal difficulties does not, in itself, indicate radicalisation. Reporting and responding to concerns All staff must report concerns promptly to the designated safeguarding or Prevent lead, in accordance with ELC's safeguarding procedures. Staff should record factual observations and the reasons for their concern, avoiding assumptions or unsupported conclusions. The designated lead will assess the information and decide on appropriate next steps, seeking advice from relevant safeguarding or Prevent professionals and making referrals where necessary. Concerns involving students under the age of 18 must be managed through ELC's child safeguarding procedures. Where appropriate, referrals should be made to the relevant local authority children's services and/or the police, in accordance with local multi-agency safeguarding arrangements. Prevent-related concerns may also require referral through the appropriate Prevent process. Where there is an immediate risk of harm or a suspected imminent terrorist threat, staff must follow emergency procedures and contact the police as appropriate. | Everyone | ||
| 11 | How and When to Respond to Concerns Internal reporting contacts All staff, students and relevant adults working with ELC students must be informed of how to report safeguarding and Prevent-related concerns. The designated Prevent lead is Mark Calland, Vice-Principal. Email: mark.calland@elcbristol.co.uk Telephone: 0117 970 7060 If Mark Calland is unavailable, concerns should be reported to John Duncan, Director. Email: John@elcbristol.co.uk Telephone: 0117 970 7060 For concerns involving students under the age of 18, Andrew Edwards and Margaret Duncan may also be contacted in accordance with ELC's safeguarding procedures. Reporting procedure - All concerns must be reported promptly, however minor they may initially appear. Staff should not assume that a concern is unimportant or attempt to investigate it independently. - Concerns should be recorded factually, including what was seen, heard or reported, when it occurred, and any action taken. - The designated lead will assess the concern, consider any immediate safeguarding needs and decide on appropriate next steps, seeking advice from relevant professionals where necessary. - Where appropriate, concerns may be referred to the police Prevent team, children's social care or other relevant safeguarding agencies. - If a person is in immediate danger, or there is an immediate threat of serious harm or terrorist activity, staff must contact the emergency services on 999 without delay. Internal reporting must not delay emergency action. External advice and referrals The following external contacts are relevant to ELC in Bristol: Avon and Somerset Police Prevent team:01278 647466. The published service hours are Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm. The current published email address is PreventSW@avonandsomerset.police.uk. Bristol City Council First Response:0117 903 6444 for safeguarding concerns about children and young people. Outside the published opening hours, urgent concerns that cannot wait until the next working day can be directed to the Emergency Duty Team on 01454 615 165. Emergency police assistance: 999 where there is immediate danger or an urgent threat. Staff should check the current local referral procedures and contact details periodically. Confidentiality and reassurance All concerns will be handled sensitively and information will be shared only with people or agencies who need it to safeguard individuals or respond appropriately to the concern, in accordance with applicable data protection and safeguarding requirements. Staff and others reporting concerns should be reassured that they will be listened to and that concerns will be considered fairly and carefully. However, absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed where information needs to be shared to protect a person or others from harm. | Everyone | ||
| 12 | Policy Preparation and Review This policy was originally prepared by Mark Calland (Vice-Principal) and John Duncan (Principal) on 16 December 2016. The policy was fully reviewed in January 2023 following changes in ownership and premises. The policy will be reviewed at least annually by the designated person responsible for Prevent, in consultation with the Principal and other relevant staff. An earlier review will be undertaken whenever there are significant changes to relevant legislation or statutory guidance, the school's operations or premises, local risks, or following a significant safeguarding incident. Each review will consider whether the policy remains accurate, effective and appropriate to ELC's circumstances. Any amendments will be recorded, approved by the appropriate senior leader and communicated to relevant staff and other stakeholders. Date of most recent review: October 2026 Next scheduled review: October 2027, or earlier if required. | Principal and Vice-Principal | ||
Updated by Neil Mullens October 2027