Teachers spot pupils at risk of radicalisation

Number of Fife schoolchildren reported to authorities

A number of Fife schoolchildren thought to be at risk of radicalisation have been reported to authorities, The Courier has learned.

It is believed the children were identified by teachers who took part in training sessions aimed at spotting the danger signs.

The number of young people in Fife who have sparked such concern is said to be low, but Fife Council’s approach to tackling the issue has been widely praised – particularly in light of recent terror attacks.

Council education convener Fay Sinclair said there was a good network of support across all teaching staff to ensure issues were picked up.

“It’s in a lot of our minds just now because of recent events and it’s right it’s in the minds of our schools as well, particularly following Manchester which targeted young people,” she said.

A handful of Fife schoolchildren feared to be at risk of radicalism have been reported to authorities, it has emerged.

The youngsters were identified by teachers who took part in training aimed at raising awareness of work being done to prevent people becoming terrorists.

A significant number of staff have taken part in the briefing sessions over the last two years, but very few children and young people have sparked concern.

Anyone suspected to be at risk is referred through child protection procedures for support, rather than punishment.

Fife Council’s approach has been praised, particularly in light of the Manchester attack which targeted young people enjoying a pop concert.

The education and children’s services directorate is a partner in the local strategy for countering terrorism, known as Contest.

One element is to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Education, starting at primary school level, is seen as key.

The council’s Liberal Democrat leader, Tim Brett, asked the administration what action it was taking to support the Contest strategy and, in particular, what steps had been taken to address the issue of Islamist extremism in schools.

He said he was reassured by the information given.

“I was informed that the education and children’s services directorate were partners in the local Contest strategy and work with several agencies, including Police Scotland, to stop terrorist attacks, to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting it, to strengthen protection against attack and to mitigate the effects of an attack should one occur,” he said.

“A key component is child protection, with the emphasis on support of the young person, rather than punishment,” he added.

Mr Brett urged everyone to continue to be vigilant and report anything suspicious and added: “I hope this information will reassure the public in Fife that appropriate action is being taken.”

Council education convener Fay Sinclair, said there was a good network of support across all teaching staff to ensure issues were picked up.

“It’s in a lot of our minds just now because of recent events, and it’s right it’s in the minds of our schools as well, particularly following Manchester which targeted young people,” she added.

A key component is child protection, with the emphasis on support of the young person, rather than punishment. TIM BRETT