Some schools 'missing opportunity' to identify and address extremism in pupils

  • Wales

Some schools are ''missing opportunities'' to address extremism, an Estyn report has warned.

It says this is due to a minority of schools not designating incidents of bullying as racist. It says racist language, bullying and inter-racial conflict between pupils can be important indicators of radical or extremist views.

The education watchdog fond some school leaders do no see radicalisation and extremism as relevant to their school or area, which means these schools may miss an opportunity to identify or address early concerns about a pupil.

Estyn found that in Wales, Islamist extremism concerns account for 15% of all referrals, while right wing extremism concerns account for 24%.

It said schools need to make better use of the curriculum to help increase pupils' knowledge and understanding of counter-terrorism to allow them to recognise influences that might put them at risk of exploitation.

For example, a minority of schools do not teach about Islam due to parents objecting, sometimes because pupils do not want to learn about it, as well as teachers not wanting to teach it.

Nearly 50% of those referred in Wales were under the age of 20. Credit: PA

However, although schools have been supported, more support is needed to develop provisions to help students and teachers develop their own understanding - of which has had ''too little support''.

Jassa Scott, Strategic Director at Estyn, says radicalisation and extremism are "real risks" to pupils in all schools.

  • What is Prevent?

Prevent is a Government strategy implemented in areas where there are risks of radicalisation.

Vulnerable people at risk are then safeguarded and supported through local community partnerships to stop people from becoming drawn into or supporting terrorism.

It deals with radical Islamist and extreme right wing groups, acts by those who are attracted to violence and aspects of non-violent extremism.

Organisations, such as schools can refer pupils to 'channel panels', chaired by the council and include health and education bodies, and the police. They assess and support those most at risk before developing the most appropriate plan.

The Welsh Government guidance supports schools to understand their duties. In 2015, the UK Government’s Counter-Terrorism and Security Act placed a responsibility on schools to challenge extremist ideas.