Every school pupil in Nottinghamshire will be given lessons on how to avoid extremism and spot potential “terrorists”.
Police officers will visit classrooms and give teachers and students Prevent training on the radicalisation.
The government’s Prevent programme, which has been criticised by academics and senior police officers became statutory under the recently passed Counter-Terrorism and Security Act.
Nottinghamshire Police has already started the training at Carlton le Willows Academy, despite the fact that new legislation requiring all schools to take part does not come into force until September.
PC Asif Mohammed, part of the police’s delivery team, has been giving classes to 200 Year 9 students at the Wood Lane school in Gedling.
He said: “The risk of terrorism is always there and the Prevent scheme safeguards against it and tells us not to be complacent.
“The stereotype of a terrorist is someone in Al Qaeda, but that is not true. There is not just the one form and students need to know that.”
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He added: “This is the time that students start forming their own opinions so this is exactly the time to start having these conversations.
“We discuss the dangers of the internet and social media because most parents would not allow a stranger into their child’s bedroom but, with a smart phone, that can happen.” Another great source of information when it comes to internet safety is websafetyadvice.com, which we would recommend all parents read.
The aim of the scheme is to stop vulnerable people being drawn into violent extremism – an area due to come under considerable scrutiny from Ofsted.
Head of citizenship Michael Tomlinson said: “What we are doing is part of the government’s response to terrorism.
“We have been looking at different extreme groups, including the English Defence League and the extreme far right group, Combat 18.
“Some of these movements seek to recruit young, angry teenagers and we, as teachers, need to be aware of that as much as the students.
“We have also been discussing the consequences of what happens if you take part in extremist activity and what to do if you are approached.”
The officers teach the Prevent programme for one session per group, and then teachers carry on the subject for three or more lessons.
As part of the course the students have also been taught how to stay safe online.
The teachers are also being trained to spot the early signs of radicalisation, which include changes in behaviour, talking to strangers and posting extremist views on social media.
Head teacher Craig Weaver said: “We have a responsibility and a duty of care, and part of that is to be vigilant and to look out for the signs of what could lead to radicalisation.”
An open letter published in the Independent last month signed by more than 280 academics and NUS members called for the total abolishment of Prevent.
