At Westcliffe Primary School we want every pupil to be safe, happy and able to learn. Part of keeping pupils safe is meeting our legal responsibility under the Prevent duty. Below is a short, easy-to-understand explanation of what that means and how we work with families to protect children.
What is Prevent?
- Prevent is part of the law that asks schools to help stop people becoming involved in or supporting extremism or terrorism.
- It is about spotting early signs that a child might be vulnerable to harmful ideas, and helping them with the right support.
What Westcliffe Primary does:
- We teach pupils how to think critically, treat others with respect and stay safe online and in their community — these lessons reduce the risk of harmful influence.
- We train our staff so they know what to look for and how to respond if a pupil may be at risk.
- We use good safeguarding practice — if we have concerns about a pupil’s safety we follow our usual child protection procedures.
- We work with local partners (for example, safeguarding partners and the local authority) when we need extra help to keep a pupil safe.
What you might see in school:
- Lessons about tolerance, online safety, keeping safe and British values (respect, democracy, rule of law) as part of our personal development and wider curriculum.
- Extra support for pupils whose behaviour, worries or family situations make them vulnerable.
Signs that a child may need help:
(These are general indicators — having one or two does not mean a child is at risk.)
- Sudden changes in behaviour, mood or friendships.
- Talking about extreme or violent ideas, glorifying violence.
- Spending a lot of time on unfamiliar websites or social groups that promote extreme views.
- Isolation from friends or family, or expressing fear or mistrust of others.
What we will do if we have concerns:
- We will talk with parents or carers unless doing so would increase risk.
- We will carry out our safeguarding checks and, if needed, get advice from or refer to local safeguarding partners.
- In some situations, we may make a referral to the local Channel panel (a multi-agency support process) so the child and family get the right help. Channel is voluntary and focuses on safeguarding and support, not punitive action.
How you can help:
- Talk with your child about what they see online and who they talk to. Encourage them to ask questions and to share worries with you or a trusted adult.
- Check privacy and safety settings on devices and apps your child uses.
- Let us know about any changes at home, worries, or online activity that concern you.
- If you are worried about a child at Westcliffe, contact the school straight away. We will listen, take your concern seriously and explain what will happen next.
Confidentiality and support:
- We handle concerns sensitively and share information only with people who need to know in order to keep a child safe.
- Our priority is the welfare of the child and supporting families.
Who to contact at Westcliffe Primary:
- If you have a safeguarding concern, please contact the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Robert Prestwood, via the school office.
- If you ever feel a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999.
Why we do this:
- Prevent is part of keeping pupils safe so they can learn and thrive.
- We believe every pupil deserves support and protection from harm — including from harmful ideas or influences.
Sources:
- Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales — Home Office / GOV.UK (March 2024).
If you would like this information in a different language or format, please contact the school office and we will arrange it.