Safeguarding
Safeguarding is our first priority as a school - we fully recognise the contribution schools can make to protecting children from harm and promoting their physical, mental and emotional welfare, and wellbeing of pupils is at the forefront of all action taken. We are fortunate to develop strong relationships with our families and good communication within our staff team. We identify children who are in need of early help and work with outside agencies to offer support where necessary.
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Vicki Clarke, and our Deputy Safeguarding Leads are Mrs Noblet and Mrs Rourke.
Under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, the "Prevent duty" is a legal requirement for schools to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism". This is part of our school's broader safeguarding obligations and requires us to protect students from radicalization by challenging extremist narratives, fostering a safe environment for debate, and recognizing and supporting vulnerable individuals. Schools must implement robust safeguarding policies, assess local risks, and ensure staff are trained to identify signs of radicalization and know how to refer concerns for appropriate support.
At Higher Walton CE Primary School we ensure that ALL Staff, Governors and volunteers are informed and have 'due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’ and we follow guidance from www.lancashirepreventpartnership.org.uk
Our Prevent Action Plan
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Prevent Action Plan |
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Duty |
Evidence |
Action |
By whom |
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Risk assessment |
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Assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism |
Staff can demonstrate a general understanding of the risks affecting children and young people. |
All staff have read “Keeping Children Safe in Education” (DfE, 2025) Parts One and Annex A Governors have read Part One, Two and Annex B All staff are aware of the definition of “Terrorism” as set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education, 2025. The Prevent Lead has informed staff of their duties as set out in “Revised Prevent duty: for England and Wales” (Statutory Guidance, April 2021) with specific reference to paras 57 – 76. www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-dutyguidance/revised-prevent-duty-guidance-for-england-and-wales
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All staff Governors Prevent Lead |
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Staff can identify individual children who may be at risk of radicalisation and how to support them.
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The Prevent Lead has informed staff about signs and indicators of radicalisation. This is covered annually in Basic Child Protection Training (last undertaken September 2025). |
Prevent lead |
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There is a clear procedure in place for protecting children at risk of radicalisation.
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All staff have read updated Safeguarding Policy (September 2025), which includes a statement regarding the school’s “Prevent” duty. All staff understand how to record and report concerns regarding risk of radicalisation. All staff have been asked to read a copy of the Prevent Duty policy. |
All staff |
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The school has identified a Prevent Lead. |
All staff know who the Prevent Lead/Single Point of Contact is. Staff should understand that this person acts as a source of advice and support in relation to Prevent. Designated Prevent Governor identified and additional training received (Date?)
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All staff Governors |
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Prohibit extremist speakers and eventsin the school |
The school exercises “due diligence” in relation to requests from external speakers and organisations using school premises.
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Request an outline of what the speaker intends to cover School staff to follow the visitors and volunteers policy Research the person/organisation to establish whether they have demonstrated extreme views/actions. Deny permission for people/organisations to use school premises if they have links to extreme groups or movements. Provide justification for their decisions in writing. |
Prevent Lead |
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Working in Partnership |
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The school uses existing safeguarding arrangements in exercising its Prevent duty.
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Staff record and report concerns in line with existing policies and procedures. |
All staff record and report non-urgent concerns or worries about a pupil on CPOMS with factual information only. If there is an urgent concern, staff speak directly to a DSL. |
All staff |
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Referrals are made to relevant agencies where a Prevent concern is identified. |
The Prevent Lead makes appropriate referrals to other agencies including the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and Channel Panel.
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Prevent referrals are made on this form National Prevent referral form and emailed through to concern@lancashire.pnn.police.uk Advice may be sought regarding Prevent concerns by calling the Prevent Team on 01772 413398 or emailing concern@lancashire.pnn.police.uk The Prevent lead supports the Channel process by sharing information and carrying out agreed actions. |
Prevent Lead |
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Staff training |
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Equip staff to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism and to challenge extremist ideas. |
Assess the training needs of staff in the light of the school’s assessment of the risk to pupils at the school of being drawn into terrorism. |
Designated safeguarding lead undertakes Prevent Lead Training, available on request via the Education Safeguarding Team. Ensure that the designated safeguarding lead is able to provide advice and support to other members of staff on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation. Staff are signposted to the Home Office on-line training: www.elearning.prevent.homeoffice.gov.uk/
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Designated Safeguarding Lead/Prevent Lead /Governing Body Relevant staff identified by the Prevent Lead |
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IT Policies |
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Ensure that children are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet in schools |
The school has policies in place which make reference to the “Prevent” duty. |
Relevant policies in place and embedded: E-safety policy Acceptable use policy Anti-bullying policy |
Prevent Lead |
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Children are taught about on-line safety with specific reference to the risk of radicalisation.
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The curriculum reflects this duty. |
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Building children’s resilience to radicalisation |
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Building children’s resilience to radicalisation |
Pupils develop “the knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them to play a full and active part in society”. |
Through PSHE/Citizenship, and other curriculum activities, pupils are able to explore political, religious and social issues. Pupils are taught about the diverse national, regional and ethnic identities in the UK and the need for mutual respect. Staff and pupils are aware of the “Let’s Talk About It” website. www.ltai.info Staff are aware of the Website “Educate Against the Hate” https://educateagainsthate.com/ Relevant staff are aware of the government guidance : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/guidance-on-promoting british-values-in-schools-published/
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PSHE staff Other relevant staff |
PAN LANCASHIRE OPERATION ENCOMPASS
The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been involved in or witness to a domestic abuse, vulnerable child or missing incident.
Operation Encompass has been created to address such situations that create a safeguarding risk to young people. It is the implementation of key partnership working between the police and schools/colleges. The aim of sharing information with local schools/colleges is to allow ‘Key Adults’ the opportunity of engaging with the child and to provide access to support that allows them to remain in a safe but secure familiar environment.
Following the report of a domestic abuse, vulnerable child or missing incident, by 9.00am on the next school/college day the school’s Key Adult will be informed of the child or young person’s involvement. This knowledge, given to educational establishments through Operation Encompass, allows the provision of immediate early intervention through silent or overt support dependent upon the needs and wishes of the child/ young person.
The purpose and procedures in Operation Encompass have been shared with all parents and governors, is detailed as part of the school’s Safeguarding Policy and published on our school website.
You can find out more information by visiting the Operation Encompass website www.operationencompass.org or by contacting the school’s Key Adult, Mrs Rourke.