Prevent duty - preventing extremism

Prevent duty for schools and childcare providers

Schools and childcare providers are responsible for promoting the welfare of children in their care. The Prevent duty strengthens this by raising awareness and promoting good practice.

The core of Prevent is safeguarding by offering support and guidance to those at risk of being drawn into terrorist activities.

Managing radicalisation and extremism safeguarding concerns

Safeguarding children who are susceptible to radicalisation involves working together. This includes services, local authorities and partners working together to protect the public.

Radicalisation is a safeguarding issue. It is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism or forms of extremism leading to terrorism. There is no single profile of what might drive someone to become radicalised.

The Department for Education has advice for schools and childcare providers. The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation - GOV.UK

Prevent risk assessments

These assess the risk of children being radicalised into terrorism, including online. They support schools and childcare providers to keep children safe.

The Department for Education provide guidance on what to consider when conducting a risk assessment. How to complete a risk assessment to assess the risk of people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism - GOV.UK

Prevent duty risk assessment templates available online. Templates include for early years, schools and further education providers. Prevent duty: risk assessment templates - GOV.UK

Find out how to report radicalisation or extremism.

Report radicalisation or extremism

Schools and childcare providers are expected to proactively identify and address the risks of radicalisation, just as they would with other safeguarding concerns.

When to refer

If you notice a change that suggests someone a child or young person may be susceptible to radicalisation, check your concern. If there is a genuine concern about radicalisation, you must share a referral to the Prevent programme.

Referrals can include where there is

· evidence that a child or young person is being radicalised or showing behaviours that suggest they are moving towards terrorism – with or without an extremist ideology being present.

· support for extremist ideas or a mixture of possibility conflicting ideas that are part of extremist ideology, with behaviours of concern.

· an obsession with massacre, or extreme violence (without targeting a particular group).

· being drawn into extremism from a sense of duty or desire for belonging, rather than any strongly held belief.

If something feels wrong, report it. Early intervention is key to preventing harm.

Make a referral

Complete the Prevent referral form [288.1 KB] [pdf]
Email it to preventreferraleastsussex@thamesvalley.police.uk
Find more advice on how to report any concerns Making a referral to Prevent - GOV.UK or email channel@eastsussex.gov.uk .

Find out about Prevent duty: training and support | Czone

Prevent duty: training and support

Prevent training

Prevent training should be delivered to new staff at the earliest opportunity, as part of their induction.

It is for education providers to determine how frequently training should occur thereafter. This will be proportionate to the risk of terrorism and extremism in the local area and the phase of education or type of setting.

Staff training should consider what level of knowledge is proportionate for different roles.

Senior Leadership Team and Designated Safeguarding Leads should complete more in-depth training. This should include extremist ideologies, how to make Prevent referrals and how to work with Channel panels. It is recommended this training is updated at least every two years.

E-learning modules

The Home Office has developed three e-learning modules which are available on the East Sussex Learning Portal. East Sussex Learning Portal (ESLP) | East Sussex County Council

Course: Prevent Duty Training - Course 1: Awareness (GOV.UK ) offers an introduction to the Prevent duty.
Course: Prevent Duty Training - Course 2: Referrals (GOV.UK ) supports staff to make robust Prevent referrals.
Course: Prevent Duty Training - Course 3: Channel or Prevent Multi-Agency Panel (PMAP) (GOV.UK ) supports staff who may be asked to contribute to a Channel meeting.

Prevent resources for schools and colleges

The Department for Education has published advice for staff with responsibilities on the Prevent duty. This complements the Prevent duty guidance and signposts to other sources of advice and support. The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation - GOV.UK

Educate Against Hate provide advice and resources for schools and colleges. This aims to safeguard and build resilience from radicalisation and extremism.

The Regional Prevent Education Co-ordinators website hosts training opportunities. This includes opportunities for Designated Safeguarding Leads and Governors. Please scroll all the way down to see all the training offers for different regions and sectors.

The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) provide advice specific to further education settings:

Prevent legislation, guidance and resources to support settings to comply with the Prevent duty.
Safeguarding and Prevent online training to support staff and Governors responsibilities.

London Grid for Learning has produced useful resources on Prevent The Prevent Duty | LGFL

Act Early provide practical help and guidance on spotting the signs of radicalisation.