Dear Colleagues
In light of the terror attack in Westminster last Wednesday, conversations and conjecture will likely be taking place in school amongst pupils of all ages. Haringey is a place where local communities get on with each other and we have every confidence that this will continue to be the case across the board. We would like to ensure that schools are open about conversations regarding the attack, and in line with the Prevent Duty, are creating a safe space for young people to express their thoughts and feelings on what has happened. Please remember that OFSTED expects educational settings to create safe spaces for debate and dialogue, using both formal and informal opportunities to address the issue. Consider the use of subject areas that lend themselves naturally to this issue such as History, RE, PSHE and citizenship.
Please also consider the guidance below:
· Bring the topic up with students in an age-appropriate way. This attack goes against the values of the UK and that of your school. We need to ensure the school is the safest space to talk, debate and learn about significant political and news events, including awful acts like the one that took place yesterday.
· Reassure students (particularly with the younger students). The chances of being harmed by a terrorist attack is still very, very low. There will also be a heightened police presence over the course of the next few days and weeks. This is a result of the ongoing efforts to protect people rather than a reaction to intelligence or a specific known risk.
· If the attack does turn out to be Islamist, we all know how far away this kind of act is from Islam and is absolutely not an accurate reflection of what Islam teaches.
· If you do become aware of pupils or parents glorifying the attack in any way, please follow normal Prevent safeguarding procedures and consider contacting our Prevent Lead, Christina Andrew at Christina.andrew@haringey.gov.uk telephone 020 8489 1280
· Likewise, if you pick up on any discrimination, this should be dealt with using your behavioural policy, and if there are reports of hate crime either taking place within school, or being fed back from the home / community environment, they should be reported to police either through 101 (for retrospective reports) or 999 (where a hate crime is taking place).
As mentioned above, locally we will see an increase in police patrols over the course of this week, particularly at key sights deemed to be vulnerable, and increased dialogue with local communities. We would appreciate feedback on any tensions or concerns you may pick up on, but we remain confident that the strong community cohesion we enjoy in this borough will see individuals and communities coming together to process yesterday’s attack in a supportive way.
Christina Andrew
Acting Strategic Lead Communities