Prevent, Extremism & Visiting Speakers Policy

Rahma Academy is committed to safeguarding children from radicalisation and exposure to extremist views. Protecting a child from radicalisation is a safeguarding matter and is treated in exactly the same way as any other risk of harm.

Our position

• We teach Islam in a way that promotes mercy, good character, honesty and respect for others.
• We reject and will not tolerate the promotion of violence, hatred, or intolerance towards any group.
• We encourage children to be confident in their Muslim identity while being positive, contributing members of their community in Britain.
• Children are given space to ask questions and are supported to think critically rather than being shut down.

Recognising risk

Staff are alert to possible indicators, including:

• Expressing support for violence, or justifying harm to others.
• Sudden change in behaviour, friendships or online activity accompanied by intolerant views.
• Being isolated from family or peers, or under the influence of a controlling adult or online group.
• Possessing or sharing extremist material.

Staff are reminded that vulnerability to radicalisation is complex, that no single indicator is proof, and that no child should be labelled or profiled because of their background, appearance or faith practice.

Reporting

1. Concerns are reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead the same day.
2. The DSL considers whether a referral to Walsall children’s social care or a Prevent / Channel referral is appropriate. Channel is a voluntary, supportive, multi-agency programme.
3. Where there is an immediate risk to life, we call 999.
4. All concerns and actions are recorded in writing.

Teaching materials

All curriculum content, books and handouts are reviewed by leadership before use. Material that promotes hatred or violence, or that contradicts our safeguarding ethos, is not used. Parents may request to see any material used with their child.

Visiting speakers

• Every visiting speaker must be approved in advance by leadership.
• We check who the speaker is, what they intend to say, and their previous public statements.
• Speakers are given a copy of our expectations before the visit.
• A member of maktab staff is present throughout, and will stop the session immediately if the content is inappropriate.
• Speakers are never left alone with children, and unvetted visitors do not address children.