War on terror begins in class

New strategy shoudn’t restrict free speech, says NUT

SCHOOLS across Oldham will put counter-terrorism plans in place under new Government legislation.

Oldham National Union of Teachers is seeking urgent talks with the council to decide how best to implement a new “Prevent” strategy.

The Government published the governing legislation in 2011 as part of its overall counter-terrorism measures, and is now imposing a legal duty on schools to have “due regard” for the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism.

The NUT is concerned that in some parts of the country the legislation will be interpreted too vigorously and will stifle school debate.

Oldham NUT’s Tony Harrison said: “Teachers are committed to the wellbeing of their students and understand the role education can play in supporting their wellbeing. Teachers are professionals, but it isn’t their role to police their students.

“Responding to new and existing forms of extremism requires a coherent education system where schools and colleges can ask for support and share strategies for teaching about democratic values and human rights. It’s important to ensure the Prevent strategy doesn’t reduce or constrain opportunities for safe and educational debate.

“Students need opportunities to express views, seek advice and have questions answered without fear of reprimand or ridicule. Students need opportunities to explore boundaries of what is acceptable.

“Teachers are justifiably wary of policies that tend to isolate particular groups and exclude them from sensitive conversations.

“In some parts of the country the Strategy has been interpreted in a very heavy handed way and pupils are concerned that they will be in danger of being reported to the authorities. Children who are potentially vulnerable to indoctrination and support for terrorism do not become less vulnerable because they are silenced.

“We currently have no information to suggest the strategy is having this effect in Oldham schools, but it is important that the council does all in its power to ensure that terrorism is challenged through debate and discussion.”

A council spokesman has confirmed that discussions have been taking place with the NUT.