If someone is exhibiting one, or more, of these signs, it still doesn’t necessarily mean that they are being radicalised – changes in views and behaviour may be part of a child or young person growing up and learning more about the world around them / wanting to make their mark. Be calm, open, and non-confrontational so that you encourage them to share their ideas and opinions with you.
Concerns should then be addressed through your school’s reporting protocol, this may be your DSL or specified Prevent Coordinator who will inform the local Prevent team. The Prevent team will follow a process of screening, and assessment; if the person is felt to be at risk of radicalisation a multi-agency panel discussion will take place and appropriate intervention agreed; once this is in place there will be review meetings to decide if further support or action is needed.
Channel
You may be asked to be part of a Channel meeting. This is a multi-agency meeting that aims to identify whether an individual is at risk of being drawn into terrorism along with the nature and extent of that risk. The meeting will then develop a support plan for the individual which is reviewed regularly. Channel aims to protect and divert young people from the risks they face through early multi-agency intervention and may be appropriate for pupils who are vulnerable to being drawn into any form of terrorism.
Channel is about ensuring that vulnerable children and adults of any faith, ethnicity or background receive support before their vulnerabilities are exploited by those that would want them to embrace terrorism, and before they become involved in criminal terrorist related activity. Support provided could include mentoring, diversionary activities such as sport or signposting to mainstream services such as education, employment or housing. Support is always tailored to specific needs.
