Teachers to spy on 'suspicious' pupils radicalised by Islamic extremists Teachers will carry out surveillance operations on 'suspicious' pupils amid concerns about rising extremism in the classroom. In an effort to stem the threat of terrorism in schools, the Government will publish a set of 'terror code' guidelines aimed at helping teachers identify the early signs of radical influences. 'Learning together to be safe' toolkits, which will be made available to all primary and secondary schools, aim to show how teachers can prevent pupils being influenced by extremists by challenging and exposing flaws in their arguments. The government says the kits will help fight al Qaeda and other hate or race-based prejudice. Children's Secretary Ed Balls is to ask schools to openly debate terrorism and race hate issues. Teachers will also receive advice on how to monitor a child covertly if they appear to be developing any extremist views. The scheme will extend the 'in loco parentis' powers of teachers and allow them to directly inform the police of any concerns they have over a child's views. Although ministers have repeatedly stressed that they do not believe playgrounds have become recruiting grounds for fundamentalists, teachers will be urged to report any concerns privately to police or parents. The terror code will provide a range of contacts, including social services, community workers and police officers, who will advise informers on serious concerns. It comes after suggestions that British-born imams could be brought in to talk to classes about universal rights and hate values. It is understood that original drafts of the document only mentioned Islamist extremism, but after fears it would offend Muslim groups it was amended to include far-Right organisations.
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