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Discussing your concerns

There are a number of routes for staff who are concerned that one of their students is on the path to radicalisation or has been radicalised.

All schools are required to have robust safeguarding procedures and all school staff should be aware of and confident in following the school’s safeguarding policy.

Teachers can also raise concerns by contacting:

  • The non-emergency police number, 101
  • The Local Authority
  • The Anti-Terrorist Hotline, 0800 789 321

If you have a concern, you should follow your school’s standard safeguarding procedure in the first instance including discussing with your designated safeguarding lead. They may get further advice from the local authority.

You can also talk to the police, either in person or by dialling 101, the non-emergency number. Such actions will not get the child into trouble, if a criminal act hasn’t been committed. The police and local authority will discuss your concerns, suggest how they can best help the child and give you access to relevant support and advice.

The local authority or police might suggest a referral to Channel, a programme aimed at stopping young people being drawn into terrorism. Channel can provide a support plan and specific interventions to protect those at risk, including mentoring support or an ideological or theological intervention.

Find out more about Channel here.

If you’re not sure what to do about a concern then the Department for Education has a counter-extremism helpline. You can call them for advice on 020 7340 7264 between 11am and 3pm, Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays).

If you think a someone is in immediate danger, or if you see or hear something that may be terrorist-related, trust your instincts and call 999 or the confidential Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321.

Reporting concerns

Report crime committed against someone because of their disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.

An online portal to report anti-Muslim hate incidents, together with advice and support.

A link to quickly and anonymously report online material promoting terrorism or extremism.

Resources

Magistrates visit schools, colleges and community groups to discuss how our justice system works, including how verdicts and sentences are decided. Teams of magistrates give a presentation and discuss a range of topics, including how magistrates are appointed, what kind of cases they deal with, how guilt or innocence is decided and sentencing when guilt is established. The presentations are tailored to suit different audiences and requirements. These visits can support schools in promoting fundamental British values by giving students the opportunity to learn about and engage with the rule of law.

A link to quickly and anonymously report online material promoting terrorism or extremism. Anyone can report material such as: articles, images, speeches or videos that promote terrorism or encourage violence; content encouraging people to commit acts of terrorism; websites made by terrorist or extremist organisations; and videos of terrorist attacks. All referrals made through this tool go directly to the Counter Terrorism Internet Referral Unit in the Metropolitan police for assessment and investigation. School staff may become aware of inappropriate content through students or through online monitoring software.

An online interactive fictional trial, where the viewer learns about court process and compares their own verdict with that of the jury.

Download, print and display this striking poster on classroom or corridor display boards to support the fight against extremism. This poster explains that a school is a place that inspires and engages young minds. That a school is a place where democracy and the laws of the country are taught. Where every individual has a voice that is heard and respected, no matter what their faith or belief. It explains school values and that there is no place for extremism in schools. Free printed versions are also available to order for using the website’s ‘Contact Us’ form.