The training, created specifically for partner agencies with representatives ranging from social services, police, probation and healthcare, was the only one of its kind offered to schools in Corby. It gave organisations the opportunity to make sure they have appropriate measures in place.

The interactive day included a counter terrorism scenario that started as a result of a school safeguarding referral. At different points through the day additional information was fed in through via video, audio and verbal inputs.

Each group included representatives from each agency. The benefit was that they could see how safeguarding would be implemented in each field, learning how best to safeguard young people in their care.

Detective Sergeant Andy Blaize said, ‘Predominantly the work today was around the PREVENT agenda. It saw us work through a scenario that originated from a call from Brooke Weston Academy calling MASH about concerns about two children who hadn’t returned after the half term holiday and the scenario unfolded from there.

‘It’s was important for partners to understand more about extremism and radicalisation as it is still a fairly new topic and professionals may find themselves caught out on occasions by it. Whilst it was based around extremism and radicalisation the training was about partner agencies working together as a team. This was the fourth time we have staged this event and we have had fantastic feedback from attendees and are very proud of it.’

Mrs Cristina Taboada-Naya, the Director of Brooke Weston Teaching School Alliance said, ‘We were delighted to welcome the Northants PREVENT team to Brooke Weston and host this collaborative event. It was fantastic to see our partners from across different agencies come together to share best practice and knowledge and ensure the safeguarding of young people in Corby and the surrounding area.’

Catherine Ford from Kingswood School said, ‘The training was extremely useful. PREVENT is important for everybody to learn about as you need to be aware of the risks that are out there. It was very interesting to get different perspectives from the varying agencies and gather information that you might not usually be privy to.’

Tracey O’Reilly from CFE Social Services said, ‘This training is fantastic as it is from a multi-agency perspective. It gave us a really good insight into terrorism and how we can look out for signs and issues within the communities that we work in.’

Maxine Reilly from Early Help NCC said, ‘It showed how important it is for a multi agency approach as, by working  together we found that missing pieces of information were being brought together so we could look at all elements to decide the best approach.’

Martine Boyd, Brooke Weston Trust’s Educational Welfare Officer said: ‘ This training builds upon the portfolio of opportunities we have been able to offer our staff and partners from the local community, during this academic year. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and the more knowledge we are able to acquire, the more we can support our students. Today has highlighted one of many complex situations that could arise, the necessity of joint working and maintaining these invaluable links. I am very grateful to the Special Branch officers for delivering this training and look forward to ensuring the Kettering area event is as successful.’