Nurseries play an important role in the safeguarding of children, but what can be done about radicalisation?
In recent times the media has been inundated with reports of children being exploited by terrorists and radicalisation, and with nurseries now being included in the Prevent Duty legislation alongside schools, early years professionals are left to think “what can I do?”
Safeguarding children is a top priority and schemes such as Nursery Education Funding has increased the amount of children from disadvantaged backgrounds entering childcare settings. This has put more responsibility on providers to ensure all children are protected and given opportunities, influencing their future behaviours and well-being. Children are influenced by the adults around them and will mimic behaviours, attitudes and experiences. This provides early years professionals with the opportunity to support children in exploring the world around them and offer positive life experiences.
Early Years settings celebrate a range of festivals and cultures throughout the year, meeting the individual needs of each child. This helps the child to feel secure and confident about their own identity. In 2015 this practice was developed by promoting British Values within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. Early Years settings can embed these values, teaching children the importance of setting rules, making decisions together, self confidence and treating everyone equally. Early Years professionals can support children through the British Values in making sense of the world around them and understanding the importance of a diverse community.
Early Years professionals must continue to be vigilant with children and look out for signs of radicalisation such as long periods of absence and sudden changes in behaviour and type of language used. Any concerns had over a child’s welfare or safety must be acted upon instantly due to the risk of parents removing the child. Early intervention may be the key to ending the radicalisation of children.