POLICE were drafted into a Hounslow school after students posted extremist messages online.

Teachers at the secondary school, which local authorities refused to name, became so concerned they asked special Safer School Partnership (SSP) Police officers to come into the school and chat to pupils.

In a government sponsored guidance booklet for the SSP project, which aims to prevent youth crime by acting early, the secondary school is used as example of how to tackle extremism.

The booklet, written with a foreword by home secretary Jacqui Smith, states: “SSP officers have been able to offer help and support to a school in Hounslow after it raised concerns about the extremist comments that some of its students were posting on the internet.

“The school, in partnership with the Safer School officers and the Hounslow Police Prevent Team, have delivered a range of Prevent activities to engage students on issues around extremism. This has included an assembly for the entire lower sixth year on “What is extremist behaviour ?” incorporating identity, culture & stereotypes and the use of teaching tools and workshops such as the “Communities Together” DVD and “Watch Over Me” programme, which provoke discussion and debate between the police, school staff and pupils and provide learning on how to handle risk and lead a safer life.

“The feedback from teachers and pupils has been very positive and the partnership are planning an ongoing programme of Prevent activity to help build the resilience of the school and its pupils to extremist messages.”

All secondary schools in the borough signed up to the scheme which assigns special SSP officers to schools.

A spokesman for Hounslow Council confirmed the incident had occurred but refused to name the school, when the incidents happened or who was involved.

He said: “As a beacon council for community cohesion our work is recognised by the Government as among the best of its kind in the country. By working with everyone – including schools, the police and most importantly the local community – we are making Hounslow a borough where everyone is proud to live and work.”

An SSP spokesman was unavailable for comment.

Do you know the school involved? Leave your comment below