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PEP Weekly Bulletins

PEP WEEKLY BULLETINS

The PEP bulletin is sent out on a weekly basis during term time. Previous issues are available to read below.

Early Years Bulletins

EARLY YEARS BULLETINS

The latest early years bulletins are available to read below.

December

Early Years Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin

November

Early Years Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin

Special Physical Development Bulletin

Early Years bulletin

October

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL PROVIDERS: Early Years Bulletin

Early language survey for early years settings

Actual headcount task – Spring 2024

Special communication, language and literacy bulletin

Special physical development bulletin

Early Years Bulletin

September

Early Years Bulletin

IMPORTANT – Survey closing Friday – have your say now

Early years bulletin

HIGH IMPORTANCE SUFFICIENCY SURVEY – for all providers and childminders to please complete

Early years bulletin

August

Early years bulletin

Early years bulletin

July

Early years bulletin

SEN bulletin

Special Physical Development Bulletin

Early Years bulletin: support for families in the summer holidays

Early years bulletin

Early years bulletin

June

Early Years bulletin

Early Years bulletin

SEND consultation for parents

May

Early Years Bulletin

Transition bulletin

Special physical development bulletin

April

Early Years Bulletin: Planning for transition to school for children with SEND/Early Years places in special provision at Cliffdale/SEND Reference Group

Attendance campaign launch: Go to Grow

Early Years Bulletin

Portsmouth Early Years Training and Development Programme 2023-24

March

Happy Easter from the Early Years and Childcare team

Early Years bulletin: Important information about claiming early education funding from April

Early Years Bulletin

Special physical development bulletin

Early Years Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin: IMPORTANT INFORMATION ENCLOSED – claiming early education funding from April 2023, household support fund family vouchers, Teach Portsmouth Awards – be quick – nominations close soon!

February

Amendment task – Spring 2023

Headcount forecast task reminder – Summer 2023

Teach Portsmouth Early Years Award

Early Years SEN updates bulletin

January

Early years bulletin

Special physical development bulletin

Action required – Early Years Census for 2023

Special Communication Language and Literacy bulletin

Headcount Actual task – Spring 2023

December

Early Years Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin – resources available

November

Early Years SEN Updates bulletin: November 2022

Early Years Bulletin

Special Physical Development Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin: Sufficiency

Special communication, language and literacy bulletin

October

Early Years Bulletin

September

Early Years Bulletin

Early Years SEN updates – Autumn term

Special physical development bulletin

Early Years Bulletin

August

Early Years Bulletin: cost of living action plan checklist, Get Active, Portsmouth!, Stomp for Stamps

June

Early Years Bulletin: Special offer, neurodiversity profiling tool, national professional qualifications announcement, supporting children from refugee and asylum seeking families in EYFS settings webinar, mental health questionnaire

Early Years Bulletin: Headcount amendment task – Summer 2022

Physical Development Bulletin

Headcount forecast task – Autumn 2022

May

Early Years Bulletin: Transition

Special Physical Development Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin: Purchase the 10 recommended read, free multi-agency training from Stop Domestic Abuse, citywide annual transition meeting, supporting parents and practitioners during the war in Ukraine

Expressions of interest required for fantastic mental wellbeing resources

April

Next academic year’s EY training and development programme

Special Physical Development bulletin

Early Years Bulletin – Citywide Annual Transition Meeting

Early Years bulletin: Headcount actual task – Summer 2022

March

Special Communication, Language and Literacy bulletin

Special physical development bulletin

Early Years Bulletin: free online training from from PSCP, SENDIF flowchart, do you have any children whose age indicates that they would have typically started year R?

Early Years Bulletin: Supporting practitioners and parents through the war in Ukraine

February

Special Communication, Language and Literacy Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin: DfE announcement, internet safety, upgraded Healthy Start scheme, SEND survey for young people aged 13-25, Domestic Abuse Combined Training

Early Years Bulletin: Headcount forecast task: Summer 2022

Special physical development bulletin

January

Early Years Bulletin: Catch up with Teach Portsmouth presents early years education, free training for EY SENCos, better health food scanner app

Special physical development bulletin

Action required – Early Years Census for 2022

Special Communication, Language and Literacy Bulletin

Early Years Bulletin: Happy New Year, Teach Portsmouth Presents early years education, Early Years Provider Briefing, Section 251 budget statement

Portsmouth Aspirations Week 2022 runs from 17 – 21 January 2022

Prevent Bulletins

Prevent and Project Orpheus Updates

This bulletin reflects the ongoing work of Project Orpheus alongside any local or national Prevent updates. Previous issues are available to read below.

This bulletin provides an update on local and national Prevent related issues.

1. Situational Risk Assessment

A Situational Risk Assessment has been produced to assist local partners in being able to identify and mitigate known risks in relation to extremism and radicalisation. Information was drawn from police partners, the Counter Terrorism Local Profile and Safer Portsmouth Partnership’s strategic assessment for 2020-21 and update in 2022. The following are identified national issues that may also have relevance for Portsmouth:

  • Continued emergence of the Incel movement online and individuals exposing extreme misogyny and violence against women and girls.
  • The housing of unaccompanied minors seeking asylum or refugees targeted by extreme right-wing actors.
  • Stickering or leafleting of an Extreme Right-Wing nature.
  • The emergence and impact on individuals and communities of violent conspiracy theories linked to world-wide events or incidents.
  • The continuing influence of Mixed, Unclear and Unstable ideologies. These ideologies are readily accessed online and provide  individuals with a mix of mainstream and extreme right-wing ideas.
  • Exploitation of neurodivergent individuals by extremism actors especially in the online space.
  • Some of the families of Channel referrals are experiencing multiple and complex challenges, which are required to be addressed in order to support each family.

2. Prevent Support document

A one-page document has been produced that contains useful links and further guidance on a local and national level. It includes contact details of key individuals within organisations, web links and where to download the National Referral form and Community Partnership Information form.

3. Changes in KCSinE (2023)

Links and guidance were sent out in the last bulletin relating to the DfE’s filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges in England to help protect children online. Meeting digital and technology standards in schools and colleges – Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges – Guidance – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The updated guidance makes it clear that all staff should receive training on the expectations, applicable roles and responsibilities in relation to filtering and monitoring. The designated safeguarding lead should take lead responsibility for understanding the filtering and monitoring systems and processes in place. Information on school child protection policies should include information on appropriate filtering and monitoring on school devices and school networks.

Updated guidance also includes information on responding to allegations relating to incidents occurring when an individual or organisation uses a school’s premises. As with all safeguarding allegations, schools should follow their safeguarding policies and procedures, including informing the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO).

4. Portsdown Primary

The Leadership Team at Portsdown Primary has established some excellent practice in relation to Prevent. They have clear structures, policies and processes in place that underline their rigorous approach to safeguarding and their commitment to key values and the wider curriculum. They conducted a Prevent self-audit that then informed the writing of their Risk Assessment and Overview of Prevent within the school. This is supplemented with a document on British values and a flow-chart that gives clear guidance on supporting incidents relating to Prevent. Please contact Ash or Darran at Portsdown as they are happy to share resources.

5. Counter Terrorism SE – Factsheet

A factsheet from CTSE Police relating to the Incel movement is available here.

6. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)

  • 13 September 2023
  • 04 December 2023

You can request a space by emailing [email protected]

This bulletin provides an update on local and national Prevent related issues.

1) Independent Review of Prevent

The review was published in February 2023 and the government have accepted all 34 of William Shawcross’s recommendations. The Home Office has set itself a 12 month timeframe to implement these changes. This will include a refresh of CONTEST (the counter terrorism strategy) along with modifications to the Prevent Duty itself. In the meantime the Portsmouth approach will continue to be informed by the risks and threats as outlined by the CTLP (Counter Terrorism Local Profile). We will continue to tackle all forms of extremism taking a proportionate and case-by-case approach.

2) Counter Terrorism Local Profile

As mentioned above, we are guided by the information generated by Counter Terrorism Police, South East, who provide a yearly overview of the risks and threats that are relevant for Portsmouth. Here is a summary of those:

  • Self-Initiated Terrorists pose the biggest threat from whatever extremist background
  • There is a continuing rise in individuals identifying with a range of beliefs and grievance that may not neatly fit into a coherent group ideology (referred to as Mixed, Unclear and Unstable)
  • Following the Dover attack in 2022, current issues like asylum will continue to be a motivating factor for individuals
  • With the spectrum of potential motivating factors and grievances constantly growing, we will continue to see vulnerabilities present but not always a clear counter terrorism risk.
  • Young people continue to be the leading age in referrals
  • Hate crime remains a priority for Portsmouth.

3) Internet filtering and monitoring

The Department for Education (DfE) has created filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges in England to help protect children online. The standards cover 4 areas:

  • Who is responsible for monitoring and filtering within a setting
  • Conducting an annual review of systems and procedures
  • Understanding the coverage of your filtering system
  • Monitoring strategies to meet the safeguarding needs of the young people within the setting

Read the full guidance here.

4) Prejudicial Language and Behaviour (PLAB)

Following a review of the effectiveness of the reporting tool, we are no longer asking schools to report monthly on incidents. The reporting form had a complicated registration and log-in and despite some interest, it was not able to generate city wide trends to support schools in tackling incidences of prejudice.

There are a number of key resources that have been produced by the PEP that offer support, guidance and further signposting. There is also a working group that is seeking to further develop resources in this area. The outcomes of this will be shared via the Removing Barriers to Inclusion Group and shared with schools.

5) Martyn’s Law

This falls into the Protect strand of the CONTEST strategy, but it will nonetheless have an impact on public settings. As a result of the Manchester Arena inquiry and significant campaigning by Figen Murray, whose son was killed in the attack, there will be a greater awareness and potentially training for settings (of varying sizes) on how to respond to major emergencies. There are briefings being delivered by the Home Office and this information will be passed on to schools.

6) Resources from Educate Against Hate

  • ACT Early, a new classroom resource by Counter Terrorism Policing and London Grid for Learning. Based on three real-life stories of young people whose lives have been affected by radicalisation, Act Early Stories includes videos and ready to use session slides, designed to raise awareness of extremism and promote critical thinking.

7) Training

Please contact either [email protected] or [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)

  • 27 June 2023
  • 13 September 2023
  • 4 December 2023

You can request a space by emailing [email protected].

  1. Final Conference for Project Orpheus

The final conference was an opportunity to bring partners, policy-makers and practitioners together to showcase the outcomes and draw together the recommendations for policy-makers moving forward. The event was held in Belgium and had representation from the UK, France, the Netherlands and Belgium. From a Portsmouth perspective, we will be holding an online event to introduce the website that contains all the resources with a focus on how to use the different materials. In the meantime, please check out the website for a first look. Home (orpheusproject.eu)

The Cybercrime Awareness Clinic (Orpheus Partner) is hosting a webinar on 16th February (3.30pm UK / 4.30pm CET). It’s aimed at anybody with an interest in the project and / or the prevention of violent extremism. It will include an overview of the ORPHEUS rationales and core concepts, the training packages and other resources developed by the project and the policy recommendations and there will also be a panel discussion / Q&A with some of the project partners. Registration is via Eventbrite and the webinar will be hosted on Zoom.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/orpheus-fostering-young-peoples-resilience-against-violent-extremism-tickets-516529793517 

2. Risk Assessments for Prevent?

In the last bulletin (November 2022), I drew attention to the new DfE guidance for self-assessment on Prevent policies and practices. The audit tool is particularly useful as it can highlight what settings already have in place and where the gaps are. These can then become identified actions for what you may need to do next.  Furthermore, the tool can help schools understand how well embedded their Prevent policies and practices are and encourages a cycle of continuous review and improvement. It includes a supporting spreadsheet to help. Prevent duty self-assessment tool for schools – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There is always the question as to whether a school then needs a specific Prevent Risk Assessment. Whilst there is a requirement on HE/FE institutions to have a risk assessment in place, for schools the guidance states:

“Specified authorities (schools) are expected to assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism, including support for extremist ideas that are part of terrorist ideology. This should be based on an understanding, shared with partners, of the potential risk in the local area. Specified authorities (schools) need to demonstrate that they are protecting children and young people from being drawn into terrorism by having robust safeguarding policies in place to identify children at risk, and intervening as appropriate.”

Revised Prevent duty guidance: for England and Wales – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Producing a risk assessment and using this to shape and guide practice is one way that schools can fulfil the requirements of the Prevent Duty.  However, there are multiple ways in which schools can evidence their leadership in this area, for example through: staff training and knowledge, safeguarding culture, local partnerships, policies on IT, venue hire and speakers and by offering a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares young people for life in modern Britain.

I have sought clarification from the DfE Lead on Prevent Policy and they confirm that the emphasis is on schools demonstrating that they have thought about the risk posed to their students/pupils, and the proportionate measures that they have subsequently put in place. A risk assessment document is one way to do so, but isn’t the only way and there is no one endorsed template. Furthermore, Ofsted also do not have specific expectations on this.

If you would like further support on using the audit tool or creating risk assessment, then please email me.

3. Prevent statistics for 2021-22

As you may have seen in the media, the latest Prevent statistics have been released. Here are some of the key figures:

  • 6,406 referrals
  • The Education sector accounted for the highest number of referrals  – 2,305 (36%)
  • Most referrals were males – 5,725 (89%)
  • Those aged under 15 – 1,829 (29%)
  • Those under 20 – 1,902 (30%)

The recording of referrals has also changed to reflect the growing complexity of vulnerabilities present, which includes incel and school massacre. Full details of the statistics can be found at Individuals referred to and supported through the Prevent Programme, April 2021 to March 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

4. Revised One-Minute Guide for Preventing violent extremism and Channel

A revised version of the OMG has been produced and now sits on the PSCP website. One minute guide library – Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Board (portsmouthscp.org.uk)

5. Misogyny in the Context of Andrew Tate

Media interest has increased following Tate’s arrest in Romania. He is a highly controversial influencer with misogynistic views that will be having an impact on his many followers, predominately young men and boys. An individual expressing support or admiration for Tate does not, by itself, meet the threshold for a Prevent referral. There are many extremist ideologies that feature misogynistic narratives and there has been a significant increase in online violent misogynistic narratives. A referral to Prevent may be appropriate if there are broader indications that radicalisation is occurring or an individual could be drawn into supporting terrorism.

The Relationships, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) curriculum includes teaching about online safety to ensure children are kept safe both in school but also at home. It also covers topics around respect for others and the importance of mental wellbeing. Further resources can be found on the PSHE Association website.

The BBC have also produced an article Andrew Tate: How schools are tackling his influence – BBC News

6. Out-of-school settings (OOSS) DfE evaluation

The DfE published non-statutory guidance in October 2020 to support Out of School Settings (OOSS). The guidance is in two parts – best practice advice for settings and key expectations that parents should have when sending their children to such settings. The DfE provided over £3 million of funding to selected local authorities as part of its OOSS multi-agency pilot scheme. Wave 1 involved ten local authorities, whilst wave 2 only involved six. This included Portsmouth City Council where we commissioned PSCP to train those who work in settings and produced a short video for parents on what to ask of settings.

An evaluation of the project has been completed with key findings and recommendations. Most notably was the realisation of the following:

  • OOSS is so vast it provides a challenge for effective safeguarding
  • There is significant potential for harm in OOSS
  • Existing legal powers are limited and not widely understood
  • Offers of free support had a low uptake
  • Limited awareness by parents of the unregulated nature of OOSS

Significantly the recommendations focussed on:

  • Making all OOSS register with the LA.
  • For LAs to increase their capacity so that they ensure that OOSS are safe.
  • For all OOSS to comply with basic safeguarding checks

7. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)

30 March 2023

27 June 2023

13 September 2023

04 December 2023

You can request a space by emailing [email protected]

1. New guidance for DSLs on safeguarding learners

New non-statutory guidance on GOV.UK to help schools safeguard young people from radicalisation. There are 4 links supporting schools safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation.

The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Understanding and identifying radicalisation risk in your education setting – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Managing risk of radicalisation in your education setting – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Case studies – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

2. New guidance for self assessment on Prevent policies and practices

The tool can help schools understand how well embedded their Prevent policies and practices are and encourages a cycle of continuous review and improvement. It includes a supporting spreadsheet to help. Prevent duty self-assessment tool for schools – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

3. Independent Review of Prevent

The Home Office has now received the final version of the Independent Review of Prevent. This was submitted to the Department by the Reviewer, William Shawcross, and will now be considered in full by the Home Office before being laid in Parliament. The Government will publish the report and the government’s response as soon as possible, after taking the necessary time to prepare and deliver a considered response.  The recently announced CONTEST refresh will also consider the findings of the Independent Review of Prevent

4. Referrals Pathway

As a reminder, all referrals into Prevent are via the National Referral Form. This can be accessed via the Safer Portsmouth website. Extremism – Safer Portsmouth All referrals are assessed by the Counter Terrorist Police Gateway Team and shared with the local authority so that statutory safeguarding checks can be made at the same time. Channel, which is a multi-agency process, is the case management of individuals needing further support. This process is led by the local authority.

Please be aware that this is the only referral mechanism in operation. It is a national structure that ensures that referrals are processed and managed by the appropriate agencies e.g. the police and local authority.

5. Educate Against Hate – resources

Addressing Hate Crime in the Classroom

How To Help Your Pupils Distinguish Fact From Opinion

6. Portsmouth Prevent Board – agreed priorities

The Portsmouth Board recently signed off on the following priorities:

  • Promoting respect and tolerance across all communities to tackle Extreme Right Wing narratives
  • Awareness raising of the online risks, particularly in the less moderated and more anonymous areas of the internet
  • Understanding that radicalisation is not specific to an age or demographic
  • Knowing that Self-initiated terrorists pose the biggest threat
  • Supporting those individuals with mental health vulnerabilities, who may be at risk of radicalisation

7. Reporting Prejudicial Language and Behaviour – monthly reporting

Schools are receiving a monthly prompt from Corporate Services to submit their monthly data. If you are still experiencing log-in difficulties or want a different staff member to submit the data, let me know and I can send a registration link to you. General information can be found on the PEP website. Prejudicial Language and Behaviour (PLAB) Toolkit – Portsmouth Education Partnership

8. Training

Please contact either [email protected] or [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

Prevent Training (via Microsoft Teams)
13th Dec (10am-11:30am)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]

Incel Briefing (via Microsoft Teams)
14th Dec (3:30pm-4:30pm)
You can request a space by emailing [email protected]

  1. Project Orpheus – the final stages

We are now in the final stages of the project with final reports being published and training manuals being translated into French and Dutch. The project will be showcased in Mechelen, Belgium at the end of the year. As a reminder, here is what the project has delivered:

  • Building resilience in young people so they are better equipped to deal with grievances
  • Raising awareness of the outline risks and the need to think critically about the information we receive
  • Manuals for practitioners to help connect with young people
  • Practical suggestions for engaging in difficult conversations with young people
  • Suggestions for policy makers based on the project outcomes

The overriding success of the project was the opportunity to work cross-border with colleagues from municipalities, civil societies and universities.

  1. Changes to KCSinEd (2022)

There is no new content for Prevent, although the location of key information has changed pp.148-151 within Annex B. This includes links to key publications, guidance and websites. Keeping children safe in education – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

London Grid for Learning has produced translations of Part 1 of KCSinEd  The National Grid for Learning – KCSIE (lgfl.net)

  1. Picture News – a weekly take on the news

I attended a briefing by Picture News – a weekly news resource for both primary and secondary schools.

  • Each week a current news story is chosen and teaching resources are produced to support discussion.
  • The materials can be used for assemblies, debates, form-times and make a fantastic and easy-to-change display.

If you’d like to receive a free poster pack in the post, request one here: www.picture-news.co.uk I also know that they offer a free trial.

  1. The Guardian – News and media workshops for secondary schools

The Guardian are currently delivering free interactive virtual workshops for secondary schools. Virtual workshops last for approximately 40 minutes and are delivered using  Zoom. Further details and registration information can be found on each of the workshop pages. They give priority to state secondary schools that have not previously had a workshop and are only able to accept one workshop request per school each academic year. Workshops for schools | The Guardian Foundation

  1. Educate Against Hate – 5 resources you can use this year
  • Let’s Discuss
  • Going too far?
  • Be Internet Legends
  • Global Acts of Unity
  • Conspiracy Theories in the news

Classroom Resources You Can Use This Academic Year – Educate Against Hate

  1. ACT (Action Counters Terrorism)How do extremists target people online?

The ACT website has support on the following:

  • What extremist groups and ideologies you should be aware of?
  • How do extremists sell themselves online?

How do extremists target people online? | Counter Terrorism Policing (actearly.uk)

  1. Reporting Prejudicial Language and Behaviour – attached guidance

The online reporting for the PLAB (Prejudicial Language and Behaviour) was relaunched in February 2022 having been rebuilt by the Corporate Service department at PCC. Since this time reporting has been sporadic across the city. Upon further investigation, there were issues concerning the links or the links not working. These issues have now been resolved, however there are now two steps to the reporting process.

1/ Request access to online reports – you will be sent a registration email

2/ Submit your registration form – you will receive a second email with a link to the online reporting tools

If you have already registered, then simply go to the PCC website and click on the tab ‘My Portsmouth’ and navigating to the ‘CSC reports’ tab.

  1. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

A reminder – Prevent Training Dates for 2022 (all via Microsoft Teams)

13th Dec (10am-11:30am)

You can request a space by emailing [email protected]

  1. Project Orpheus – Local Engagement

We have completed our training delivery to professionals and young people.

  • 295 young people have received online awareness and resilience workshops;
  • 150 young people have contributed to safe space sessions;
  • 35 frontline professionals have received training on managing difficult conversations and online safety
  • Through collaboration work with Jon Nicholas (an Orpheus facilitator), a former white supremacist from the US did some work with young people at a city youth centre.
  • A focus group was held with local and national professionals, who commented on the Orpheus findings and offered practical ways to incorporate these at an operational level.
  • The Local Government Association was interested in the project outcomes and has since produced a case study as part of their good practice guidance.

Project Orpheus: Building resilience to online extremism in Portsmouth | Local Government Association

  1. Prevent Guidance

Clearer and more accessible information on Prevent, how to make a referral and the types of support offered through Channel. Also contains a useful overview video of Prevent that lasts about 5 minutes.

Get help if you’re worried about someone being radicalised – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

  1. Portsmouth Prevent Board – Key principles

These are the 6 key principles that underpin Prevent delivery within the city:

  1. Communities are key to preventing terrorism and central to the successful delivery of the Action Plan
  2. Violent Extremism takes many different forms and ideologies
  3. Prevent is everyone’s business and therefore a well-trained workforce is crucial to the effective delivery of the Prevent Duty
  4. The action plan is formed from the Counter Terrorism Local Profile (CTLP) in addition risks outlined by other key stakeholders.
  5. Actions taken will always be proportionate to the risk identified for Portsmouth
  6. Prevent is part of the wider safeguarding agenda and thus will focus on providing support and re-direction to vulnerable individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism from an early stage
  1. Educate Against Hate – Let’s Discuss

New resource produced by the DfE and can be found on the Educate Against Hate website. Short videos and PowerPoint resources on the following areas:

  • Extreme right-wing extremism
  • Islamist extremism
  • Left-wing, anarchist and single-issue extremism
  • British values

There is an emphasis on shared values with extremism being described as opposition to our society’s values. The resources are designed for secondary use.

Let’s Discuss: New Classroom Resource on Extremism and Terrorism (educateagainsthate.com)

  1. Blog – Primary Head’s view of Prevent

“Like many headteachers and school leaders, I had completed training around Prevent and counter-terrorism but, at the time, it didn’t really feel relevant to me.  The responsibility of running a school with its external pressures meant that it simply didn’t feel like a priority. That all changed when I woke up on the 23rd May 2017 to the news that something terrible had occurred in Manchester the previous evening – a terrorist attack at a concert where the audience was largely comprised of young people.”

A School’s Journey of Recovery, 5 years on from the Manchester Arena Attack – Educate Against Hate

  1. The Dark Web explained – resource for professionals and parents

Developed by CEOP for professionals and parents only. The resource can help you to:

  • understand what the Dark Web is
  • know why and how some young people might access the Dark Web
  • feel confident having conversations and supporting your child if you know they are accessing the Dark Web.
  1. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dynamics. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

A reminder – Prevent Training Dates for 2022 (all via Microsoft Teams)

  • 13 Sept (10am-11:30am)
  • 13 Dec (10am-11:30am)

You can request a space by emailing [email protected]

  1. Project Orpheus – Local engagement

  • Safe Space session at St Edmund’s facilitated by Jon Nicholas, Conflict Resolution expert. This was an all day workshop with 18 young people.
  • Online Awareness session led by Unloc at UTC College as part of Safer Internet Day. Charlie Pericleous and Vas Karagiannopoulos were also interviewed by Radio Solent about the Orpheus Project and its role in supporting young people.
  • Safe Space workshops with at youth groups in Hilsea and Fratton in conjunction with Motiv8.
  • Safe Space sessions at Cottage Grove Y6 pupils
  • Safe space session at Mayville School Y11 pupils
  1. Counter Terrorism Local Profile (CTLP)

This is a document produced by Counter Terrorism Police South East that outlines key threats, risks and vulnerabilities within the south east region. The Portsmouth Prevent Board is working on an action plan for the coming year to address these considerations, which include:

  • Tackling the lack of respect and tolerance generated by the Extreme Right Wing
  • Safeguarding and raising awareness of Online risks
  • Raising awareness of the threat from Self Initiated Terrorists (previously termed Lone Actors)
  • Working collaboratively to support mental health vulnerabilities
  1. Resources for supporting pupils during the Ukraine war

There is a lot of material and information available, some of which has already been shared via the PEP.

  1. Internet filtering

There is a link where you can see a broad overview of what content is blocked by your provider without undertaking some very risky searches. Test Your Internet Filter | SWGfL Test Filtering

  1. Independent Review of Prevent

We are still awaiting the findings and recommendations from the review into Prevent. Key findings will be shared through this platform. In the meantime it is worth remembering that Prevent has been a key part of the government’s counter terrorism strategy since 2006, with the Duty coming into force in 2015. During this time, training has provided frontline workers with the skills to identify the signs of radicalisation and protect vulnerable individuals.  Prevent is a preventative programme that works in a similar way to other safeguarding programmes that provide support to those who are being exploited or groomed.

  1. Educate Against Hate – Talk it Over

A  useful classroom resource by Childnet aimed at secondary school pupils and includes guidance on how educators can encourage ‘empathetic, honest, and evidence-based conversations on online hate’. Talk It Over – Educate Against Hate

  1. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

A reminder – Prevent Training Dates for 2022 (all via Microsoft Teams)

9th June (10am-11:30am)
13th Sept (10am-11:30am)
13th Dec (10am-11:30am)

You can request a space by emailing [email protected]

  1. Project Orpheus – Local Engagement

We have worked closely with some local partners over the past quarter. We have delivered training sessions to Motiv8 on Controversial Issues, Online safety, Youth culture and Politicisation. These sessions provided an opportunity for us to deliver our training material and to gain an invaluable insight into the work that frontline experts perform on a daily basis with young people. We are also working with Unloc, who will be delivering our Online Awareness and Critical Literacy training to schools. So far they have delivered to all Y10 students at Priory.

Finally we held some safe space sessions at St Edmund’s Catholic school that were facilitated by Jon Nicholas, Conflict Resolution expert, who has previously worked with us on the training materials and through his work for the Johnathan Ball & Tim Parry Peace Foundation. Click here to read St. Edmund’s newsletter on the day. We hope to continue with this programme of running safe space sessions throughout the spring term.

  1. Keeping Children Safe in Out of School Settings

We completed the project that was funded by the DfE. The project allowed us to commission the PSCP to deliver training to local groups and individuals, plus the creation of short videos for parents outlining the kinds of questions they should be asking of settings. Keeping children safe in out-of-school settings – Portsmouth City Council As part of the legacy of the project there will be 4 training dates this year, book via the training section on the PSCP website. Training – Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Board (portsmouthscp.org.uk)

  1. Safer Internet Day
  • This year’s date is 08 February and the theme is All fun and games? Exploring respect and relationships online
  • We will be working with local partners Unloc and the University (Orpheus Partner) to deliver an online safety session for students at UTC College.
  1. National Prevent Statistics

The latest statistics were released at the end of last year covering March 2020-March 2021. There was a significant drop in referrals, largely due to the lockdown. However in line with previous data, males make up 88% of referrals and significantly for schools/colleges 15-20 year olds make up 29% of referrals and under 15 make up 20%. For a full breakdown of the figures Individuals referred to and supported through the Prevent Programme, England and Wales, April 2020 to March 2021 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

  1. Act Early – video resource

Counter Terrorism Police is continuing to call on members of the public to be aware of the signs to spot any concerns they have about vulnerable people they know. They have launched two new ‘letters to my younger self’ videos which speak directly to young people about the risks of radicalisation. The films can be viewed here Real stories | ACT Early

  1. Educate Against Hate – Going too Far

This is a Blog (and another plug) for the Going too Far resource. Going Too Far? A New Resource For Teachers to Tackle Online Harms and Extremism – Educate Against Hate

  1. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

  1. Project Orpheus – Local engagement

We conducted a ‘Deep Dive’ session with Unloc to review the training materials on Cyber Awareness. The purpose of the session was to gain feedback from professionals on the training so it could enhance the delivery and ensure maximum impact on the young people of the city. We also worked with a number of young people where the focus was more on co-creation and using them as part of the solution – the ‘bottom-up’ approach that is integral to the Orpheus project. The young people involved were extremely insightful and generous with their time and engagement. Their first-hand knowledge of false information and the range of influences that are available to young people will prove to be invaluable. The next steps are to work with our Orpheus partners and local providers in delivering this training package across the city but also within France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

We have also sought feedback from Hampshire Police Education Partnership on this aspect of the project and look forward to their input on other areas too. Finally we will be holding some safe space sessions at St Edmund’s Catholic school that will be facilitated by Jon Nicholas, Conflict Resolution expert, who has previously worked with us on the training materials and through his work for the Johnathan Ball & Tim Parry Peace Foundation.

2. National referral form for Prevent

Concerns about radicalisation and extremism are treated in the same way as all other safeguarding issues.
The process is to complete the Prevent National Referral From and submit to [email protected]

The form will be forwarded to the local authority safeguarding team and the Prevent policing team for a joint assessment. At this point, the MASH may determine that a referral for intervention under early help s.17 or s.47 of the 1989 Children Act or s.42 of the Care Act is necessary whilst the police are gathering further information. The referral form can be accessed here.

3. Mixed, Unclear and Unstable Ideologies

  • In the last round of Prevent data 51% of all referrals were for Mixed, Unstable or Unclear ideologies
  • This presents a more complicated picture as individuals may incorporate some of the following: conspiracy theories, Incel movement, school massacre obsession/threat, satanic following or the gamification of violence
  • Many of these are grievance or single issue led but can also blend or merge with more well-known ideologies.
  • If you require more information on this or require a briefing contact myself or Charlie

4. Incident in Plymouth

In the summer there was the incident in Plymouth, where 6 people died and two severely injured in a shooting attack. The perpetrator was identified as Jake Davison. The incident was not defined as a terrorist act, but it is under review. It has been reported that his social media footprint showed links to the Incel movement.

5. Conspiracy Theories – teaching resource

A new resource for teachers has been published to support them in ‘managing’ conspiracy theories in the classroom. It is written by academics who were both previously teachers. It is very accessible with some useful tools that can be developed by teachers.

6. London Grid for Learning – Going too Far

This is an interactive classroom resource designed for teachers to help students understand extremism and how certain online behaviour may be illegal or dangerous – aimed at secondary schools, with elements easily adaptable for primaries/colleges. All activities have cross-curricular relevance, facilitate a whole-school approach in line the RSHE guidance, KCSinE and a link to statements in the UKCIS Education for a Connected World.

The resource includes:

  • Starter videos featuring subject experts
  • Scenario-based activities to explore potential risks, whether gaming, or on social media
  • Getting Help area, signposting to trusted sources for support and reporting channels
  • Teacher mode tab with access to printable notes, extension activities, mini video guides and suggested answers to help lead informative discussion
  • SEND & Inclusion area with video/audio narration, alternative text versions and differentiated questions to help teachers support as wide a range of learners as possible
    Going Too Far? (lgfl.org.uk)

7. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

1. Project Orpheus – Partner Meeting 8

  • This was again held virtually, but provided the opportunity to discuss how we can organise safe spaces in both the offline and online contexts.
  • We were able to finalise the content for the following training packages:
    1. Controversial Issues
    2. Cyber Awareness and Media Literacy
    3. Politicisation
    4. Youth Culture
    5. Strengthening personal safety in safe spaces
  • We are testing and providing local partners with training sessions on the above packages so that they can then work directly with young people. This will address the two fundamental aims of the project:
    1. Upskill frontline workers
    2. Provide safe spaces for young people to discuss and question the world they live in.

2. Out of Schools Settings (OOSS): training for professionals

 3. Reporting Prejudicial Language and Behaviour

  • After some technical difficulties with reporting we have released a new Google form, which can be accessed using this link PLAB responses – Google Forms
  • Headline statements from end April/May 2021:
    • 52% of returns were for no incidents
    • 48% of returns reported at least one incident
    • Total of 25 incidents reported
    • 18 for race
    • 4 for sexual orientation
    • 2 for religion
    • 1 for gender
    • 0 for disability

4. Extreme far right group banned

Attomwaffen Division has been proscribed – White supremacist group, Atomwaffen Division, banned in the UK – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) – and so members of this group or those who invite support for the group could be jailed for up to 10 years.

5. Educate Against Hate – Monthly newsletter

EAH is a DfE website and platform for guidance and resources relating to the Prevent Duty. There are sections for teachers, leaders and parents. If you’d like to receive their monthly newsletter sign up via this link Educate Against Hate Registration (mailchi.mp)

6. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

7. Independent Review of Prevent

The Independent Review of Prevent is reviewing the Government’s strategy for supporting people vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism and making recommendations for a future approach. As part of this work, the Independent Reviewer of Prevent wants to hear from as wide a range of people as possible to help inform his final report through a series of virtual public engagement events. These events provide an opportunity for the public to have their say on Prevent, informing the recommendations submitted to government, and to share their views on key issues, including the impact of Prevent on individuals, families and communities, whether Prevent tackling the causes of radicalisation and if there should be a strategy aimed at supporting those vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism and what it should look like. Those with lived experience of any aspect of the Prevent system, or those working in the voluntary, community, faith, youth, health, justice or education sectors, are encouraged to attend and share their views. You can sign up to the events below:

  1. Project Orpheus – workshops with Highbury College
  • During Highbury’s Keep Safe week (March 22-26), we delivered a number of workshops to their Foundation Prospect students. Although these sessions were virtual we managed to reach a number of students, who were either in the classroom or joining from home. Together with the tutors, we delivered workshops on online behaviours, being able to separate false and real information and an exploration of conspiracy theories.
  • Feedback from the sessions showed that students were very confident at seeking support when necessary and they were also confident at recognising harmful content. However, students (and tutors) concluded that it was increasingly difficult to easily identify false news. This highlights the importance of the Orpheus key objectives of focussing on critical thinking and being able to evaluate what we see, hear and read.
  1. Advice for schools and colleges to support their approach to harmful online challenges and online hoaxes

Guidance and support for schools and colleges in England to support their approach to harmful online challenges and online hoaxes. The advice covers: preparing in advance for any online challenges and hoaxes; safeguarding children and young people; sharing information with parents and carers; and where to get help and support.

Read the guidance

  1. Out of Schools Settings (OOSS): training for professionals

The PSCP has delivered training to over 40 individuals who represent OOSS. There are further dates scheduled and booking can be made via the PSCP website.

This free training consolidates basic safeguarding requirements alongside key recommendations from the non-statutory guidance released in October 2021.

  1. Prevent statistics and emerging trends

The latest Prevent statistics were released by the Home Office early this year and show some key trends that are relevant for those working in the education sector. Please note that the figures can be viewed in three different ways:

  • the total number of referrals
  • those who are referred and discussed at Channel
  • those who are referred, discussed and then adopted by Channel as a case
  • The percentage of referrals for Mixed, Unclear and Unstable ideologies suggests that young people are at risk from a number of emerging ideologies and extremist materials and not just right wing or Islamist
  • Males make up the biggest group referred
  • Those under 20 year make up over half of all referrals
  • 11% of referrals were adopted by Channel with other sectors supporting those who do not meet this criteria (Education was the highest sector for further support)
  • Right wing extremism is the highest category for adopted Channel cases
  1. Influencers – An Anti-Radicalisation Board game for Secondary Schools across Portsmouth
  • Over the past year we have has been working with Lee Purslow, owner of Dice Portsmouth and Wargame Designer and Analyst for the MOD, to promote and encourage the take-up of a new and innovative board game for secondary schools. ‘Influence‘ is designed to help Secondary School/College aged students identify the signs of radicalisation (Far right and Islamist). The game is not your usual ‘Monopoly style’ roll and move – it is a narrative driven game that takes the players on a journey through the life of someone who is exposed to radical elements both at home and across the wider social environment.
  • The game has now been prototyped and play tested (at Cams Hill and UTC) and we are now looking for opportunities to develop and deploy it across all Portsmouth secondary schools. Both Charlie and myself have supported the development and awareness raising of the concept and feel it will benefit pupils and staff in the key area of safeguarding and having conversations around sensitive and critical issues.
  • Lee is currently developing a prototype version and some short video clips to demonstrate how to play and the advantages of using the game. If you would like to assist in furthering this project by trialling the materials please contact us as it would greatly enhance our funding applications to include the testimonies of schools.
  • Our overall aims are to provide all secondary schools in Portsmouth with their own board game and to support other regions in the UK with the implementation of this concept.
  1. Reporting Prejudicial Language and Behaviour

A working group has finalised some key changes to the materials supporting the reporting of Prejudicial Language and Behaviour.

  • A new reporting form that schools can complete to record incidents – now a one page document with drop down options and links for ease in completing
  • A quick online survey to complete monthly to indicate the number and type of incidents recorded
  • Data will be shared termly with schools to show what has been recorded across the city
  1. Change of UK threat level

The UK terrorism threat level has now been lowered from Severe, meaning an attack is highly likely, to Substantial. The UK national threat level is kept under constant review, and JTAC (Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre) conduct a formal review every six months. This is a systematic, comprehensive, and rigorous process, based on the very latest intelligence and analysis of internal and external factors which drive the threat.

  1. Training

Please contact either myself [email protected] or Charlie [email protected] if you require staff training. We can accommodate a range of different needs and group dimensions. We are also happy to deliver remotely over platforms such as Teams or Zoom.

  1. Project Orpheus – Local engagement

Despite the challenging circumstances, we have managed to work with young people virtually at Portsmouth and Highbury Colleges.

  • Through our continued partnership work with Unloc, we have again supported their Leadership Academy project by acting as mentors for a group of students. Their focus was on misinformation and disinformation, which links with our own Orpheus objectives around online behaviours and resilience building. The students completed their project by presenting their findings to their peers.
  • At Highbury College, we supported their British Values week using the theme of tolerance and respect to deliver sessions on how information and viewpoints are used on online platforms. This included an exploration of conspiracy theories.
  1. National Prevent Referral Form

There has been a slight change to the referral process. Information is to be submitted on the National Referral Form that will then be simultaneously shared with Police and the MASH. Guidance is attached.

  1. Out of Schools Settings (OOSS): training for professionals (04.02.21)

The first part of the training to professionals will take place on 04.02.21 4:00pm-6:00pm via Zoom. This will be led by Sam Nesbitt from the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership. Please email me if you wish to attend.

  1. Prevent statistics – key headlines from 2019-20 data
  • In the year ending 31 March 2020, there were 6,287 referrals to Prevent. This is an increase of 10% compared to the record low in the previous year (5,737 in 18/19).
  • The Police made the highest number of referrals (1,950; 31%), followed by the Education sector (1,928; 31%). 
  • Over half of all referrals were for individuals aged 20 years or under(3,423; 54%).
  • Over half of all cases adopted as a Channel cases were for individuals aged 20 years or under (402, 58%)
  • Individuals aged 20 and under adopted as Channel cases for Islamist ideology concerns represent 27% (110), for Extreme Right Wing Related concerns this figure is 44% (175) and for mixed, unclear or unstable ideology concerns this figure is 19% (78).

Individuals referred to and supported through the Prevent Programme, April 2019 to March 2020 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

  1. One Minute Guide to Disinformation, misinformation and conspiracy theories

A new OMG (attached) has been written to support frontline professionals. It will be uploaded to the PSCP website.

  1. Patriotic Alternative – far right group

Colleagues in Kent and West Sussex have reported leafleting of this group and their Twitter account shows they have been leafleting in Southampton as well. This group promotes white nationalism and its content focuses on idolising the white race and highlighting the problems caused by ‘non-white’ immigration.  They have produced an alternative curriculum that encourages home-schooling, to the extent that they have template letters for parents to send to schools and the local authority. If you become aware of any PA activity in the city, please let Charlie or myself know.

  1. ACT Early – new campaign from Counter Terrorism Police actearly.uk

Counter Terrorism Policing’s new safeguarding website, which is aims to support those concerned about their friends and family being radicalised. The FAQs page is particularly helpful FAQ | ACT Early

  1. Safer Internet Day – 9th February 2021

Safer Internet Day 2021 will be celebrated in the UK with the theme: An internet we trust: exploring reliability in the online world

Safer Internet Day 2021 | Safer Internet Centre

  1. Project Orpheus – March to September 2020
    We have been working with Artevelde University in Ghent, Belgium over the past six months on a training package for professionals and frontline workers. The Controversial Issues package will be part of a series of training modules that will include: Social Bonding, Cyber Awareness and Alter Narratives. Our approach is blending the academic and empirical research alongside practical activities and resources that will be meaningful for those working directly with young people. It is skills driven with the aim of empowering professionals to facilitate discussions and for young people to develop habits of questioning and critically evaluating what is heard, seen and read. We are seeking feedback on these products so if you would like to assist and offer some comments, please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
  2. Out of Schools Settings (OOSS): Portsmouth Pilot Project
    Back in March of this year, Portsmouth City Council was awarded funding to support the launch of new government publications on OOSS. The two new documents support settings with best practice guidance and parents with a list of 14 key questions to ask of providers. The launch of these will be Wednesday 21 October 2020 link to the guidance. Within the city we will be providing training and support for settings, parents and professionals. This will be led by the Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership.
  3. DfE briefing note: How extremists are using COVID-19 to promote disinformation, misinformation and conspiracy theories
    This is a briefing note for senior leaders, teachers and safeguarding leads at schools and further education providers on how extremists are using COVID-19 to promote disinformation, misinformation and conspiracy theories. This non-statutory advice from the Department for Education has been produced to provide a short summary of the extremist response to COVID-19, highlighting the additional radicalisation risks for children and young people and suggested actions for settings to take.
  4. Prevent concerns, training and support
    Both Charlie and myself are still available to deal with Prevent concerns and offer support, advice and training. This can be over the phone, email or via a video call. Prevent referrals must be made via the MASH, please see Portsmouth City Council’s One Minute Guidance on Prevent/Channel.
  5. Changes to KCSinE (2020)
    There are a couple of refinements to the above statutory guidance that are worth noting. Annex A contains further information on Preventing Radicalisation with definitions of extremism, radicalisation and now terrorism (p.89). There are hyperlinks to the 3 learning modules from the Home Office (p.91) on Prevent awareness e-learning, Prevent referrals e-learning and Channel awareness e-learning
  6. Far right briefing
    We will shortly be sending out a briefing note to accompany a far right fact sheet that has been produced by Counter Terrorism Police. As you are aware, this is the fastest growing threat in the UK at the moment and there are a variety of groups and emerging groups that are populating this landscape. Much is in the online space through social media, chat rooms and gaming sites, however these groups still use stickering, leaflets and protest gatherings to promote their views.
  7. Internet safety: free assembly from Google and ParentZone
    Google and Parent Zone (who have previously done work in Portsmouth schools) have got together to create an online assembly that focuses on online safety. It is part of the Be Internet Legends series.
    Link
  8. DfE working group: revised risk assessment for schools
    I have been working with the Counter Extremism Division within the DfE to look at how schools can assess the risks of radicalisation for their settings. It focuses on the key areas of: Leadership, Partnership, Staff training, IT policies, Building Children’s resilience to radicalisation and Management of Space. If you would like to offer any feedback on this document, please contact me.
  9. Conspiracy theories – QAnon
    Conspiracy theories offer a simplifying model for all that cannot be explained or easily understood. They typically involve an ‘alternative’ explanation for an event or situation to those provided by governments and official international bodies, sometimes suggesting a group, individual or organisation is responsible or hiding information from the public. QAnon is a current conspiracy theory that has moved from the online space into the real world. Largely based in the US, it has reached Europe and the UK. Hope not Hate produced an article around QAnon and the rise of conspiracy theories in the UK which can be found here. The BBC have also produced a video around QAnon available here and a blog linking QAnon theory to the current Covid situation here. Supporting QAnon is not proscribed or illegal in the UK, however in May 2019, the FBI assessed QAnon to a be a domestic terror threat due in part to the actions of some who adhere to the theory committing or planning to commit criminal acts.
  10. Further reading – Professor Lynn Davies, University of Birmingham
    Her short blog looks at educational responses in a pandemic world.
  1. Project Orpheus – Summary of findings January – March 2020

We found that all pupils were well aware of the amount information that they consumed (either passively or actively) on a daily basis through their online activity. Most had a good understanding of fake news, however less were as informed on how echo chambers and filter bubbles influences our online habits. Fewer still had a clear idea of how information is constructed and how it might be used. Our findings really resonate with the current climate given that we are exposed to huge amount of information, misinformation and disinformation.

Orpheus seeks to build resilience in young people, for example:

  • Being able to evaluate what you see, read and hear
  • Looking for more than one viewpoint on things
  • Developing the skill of separating the authentic from the made up (offline and online)
  • Talking about issues, being critical and open in debate (you don’t always need to agree or change someone’s views)
  • Always asking questions about information: who is saying it? Why are they saying it? Do I need to pass this on?

Working with professionals

We asked a number of professionals the following question: what is the biggest threat to young people online?

  • Being able to filter what is true and what is false
  • Understanding that what you read online can be interpreted in a number of ways
  • Using social media – the pressure to obtain likes, the constant responding and the addiction of checking your device.
  • Young people feel it is essential to be part of the social media scene for their friendships and would feel stigmatised if they were not part of it
  • Young people failing to comprehend the consequences of the ‘no take back’ nature of posting comments and photos on the internet
  • Pressure to send inappropriate images of yourself – sexting. Most young people know the rules and implications yet still somehow send of become pressured into sending. Some thought that this was also true for meeting up with strangers met online i.e. they knew the dangers but still did it.
  • Memes and humour as a hook to get young people interested or to support extremist content
  1. Guidance, information and resources

There is plenty of guidance and information being circulated, especially concerning staying safe online. We are aware that some extremists are exploiting Covid-19 to reinforce their pre-existing narratives, so some online platforms are hosting wider conspiratorial narratives. Below is some guidance and some resources that may be used for developing digital literacy and critical thinking (key components of the Orpheus project).

Educate Against Hate – Blog

The DfE website has produced a blog entitled School Closures: Ongoing Prevent Management Support.

Covid-19 Disinformation briefings from the Institute of Strategic Dialogue

ISD are creating regular ‘Disinformation Briefings’, which analyse how extremist and/or radical movements are weaponising the COVID-19 crisis, either to sow division or direct hate towards specific (minority) groups. https://www.isdglobal.org/isd-publications/

CTPHQ Online Harms Guidance

The impact of COVID-19 means most children will be at home for an extended period and will be spending increasing amounts of time online. Counter Terrorism Police have produced some guidance to parents relating to the specific online radicalisation risk.

Websites:

  • BBC Bitesize: Fact or Fake – lots of activities and resources related to fake news and COVID-19
  • ShoutOut UK – Free weekly resources on online harms, conspiracy theories, how to spot fake news and deal with trolls.
  • Trust Me – primary and secondary lessons resources to explore critical thinking online.
  • Be Internet Citizens – lesson resources on fake news, hate speech, emotional manipulation.
  • BBC Evidence Toolkit – interactive software, lesson plans and teacher notes to review media stories.
  • BBC Real News – videos, lesson plans, podcasts related to digital literacy
  • National Literacy Trust – fake news and critical literacy resources, including lesson plans for different subject areas (pdfs can be found at the end of the page).
  • The News Literacy Project – resources to support pupils to understand what to trust in the digital age.

Fact Checkers:

  1. Prevent Concerns

Both Charlie and myself are still available to deal with Prevent concerns and offer support, advice and training. This can be over the phone, email or via a video call. Nothing has changed in terms of the referral process, all Prevent referrals must be made via the MASH, please see Portsmouth City Council’s One Minute Guidance on Prevent/Channel.

  1. Prevent e-learning

As a reminder, Prevent training can be accessed via the Home Office’s e-learning platform.