More than five children a day referred to 'deradicalisation' classes

More than 1,000 children were referred to the government's 'deradicalisation' programme in the past year, according to The Times.

The programme, entitled Channel, is part of the government's larger 'counter-extremism strategy', and has been designed to "safeguard vulnerable people from being drawn into violent extremist or terrorist behaviour."

A total of 1,041 children were referred to the scheme, equating to more than five children per school day.

In 2012, the year in which the scheme was introduced, just nine children were referred, with teaching unions expressing concerns that some children were being reported needlessly.

Kevin Courtney, of the National Union of Teachers, has said that "the number of referrals dismissed by Channel suggested a tendency to over-refer".

Those referred to the scheme are offered support that is tailored to them and their particular circumstances. The Times' Anthony Cornish has written that these are often sessions with liberal Muslims and ex-jihadists.

The programme is currently voluntary and, in the case of children, parental consent is needed.

Under laws brought in last year, schools, prisons, the NHS, and local authorities have a legal obligation to refer individuals they believe could be "drawn into terrorism".
 

'Confusion and paranoia'

In further education colleges there were 180 referrals in 2015, compared with five in 2012. Higher education institutions such as universities reported 76 students. Local authorities reported 284 vulnerable people, and the health service had 228 referrals to Channel last year.

Only half of those referred were assessed as needing no intervention.

The figures, covering England and Wales, were released by the National Police Chiefs Council under the Freedom of Information Act.

At a conference this month, Malia Bouattia, president of the National Union of Students, said that the scheme thrives off "confusion and paranoia."

A co-ordinator of the government's counter-extremism strategy said that it was not about arresting people and that those referred were engaging with the programme.
 

Christian Union banned

Earlier this month, news broke that a Christian union had been banned from holding meetings on college premises, as a result of the government's counter-terrorism strategy Prevent.

It is believed to be the first time a Christian group has been targeted under the government initiative.

Prime Minister David Cameron called the use of Prevent in this case as "ludicrous", and called on those making judgments to use their "common sense".

Related Links: 
Schools refer five children a day to steer them from terror (Times) 
Prime Minister describes use of Prevent to ban Christian meetings as 'ludicrous' 
Christian student to seek further action after expulsion from university course