ATL comment on protecting children from radicalisation

“The Government’s announcement of £20m to fund classes to teach Muslim women English indicates that it has realised its error in cutting the ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) budgets which cut the places for 16,000 learners in 47 further education colleges. Focusing ESOL funding solely on Muslim women is short sighted as there are many other groups who would equally benefit from the reinstatement of English language classes.

“It is important for children and young people to be taught to think critically and to question what they are told and for schools and colleges to be places they can do so safely. Encouraging schools and colleges to involve pupils in community action and democratic activity would help pupils learn effective ways of raising issues and getting things changed. A website can provide helpful resources.”