Prevent duty - preventing extremism
Prevent duty for schools and childcare providers
A child or young person may be vulnerable to pressure to hold extreme views
By law, all registered childcare providers (early years and later years) are subject to the Prevent duty. This duty is under section 26 of the Counterterrorism and Security Act 2015.
Paragraphs 57-76 of the Act concern schools and childcare providers. The Prevent Duty requires them to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.
Preventing extremism and radicalisation safeguarding policy [234.0 KB] [doc]
Government strategy on terrorism
Prevent is part of Contest – the government strategy to address terrorism. The strategy involves many people - services, local authorities, organisations and partners - working together to protect the public.
Prevent aims to prevent terrorism by stopping people:
- becoming terrorists
- supporting terrorism or violent extremism
Definition of extremism and British values
The government has defined extremism in the Prevent strategy as “vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values”.
These British values are defined as:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty and mutual respect
- tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
Their definition of extremism includes calls for the death of members of our armed forces.
Find out how to report radicalisation or extremism.
Schools and childcare providers are expected to assess the risk of children being drawn into terrorism.
If you are concerned that someone is vulnerable to radicalisation you must refer them to the Channel programme for support at an early stage. This is a police-led, multi-agency partnership. Its role is to evaluate referrals of individuals at risk of being drawn into terrorism. Channel identifies individuals for early intervention and support.
When to refer
Only refer children when there is:
- very clear evidence that they are being radicalised or are developing an ideology
- clearly no alternative or equal way to deal with the issue
Simply being attracted to a group that has extreme ideologies does not justify a referral. You need to identify additional behaviours that suggest they are moving towards terrorism.
This includes supporting extremist ideas that are part of terrorist ideology.
Make a referral
- Complete the Prevent referral form [55.5 KB] [docx]
- Email it to PreventReferralsEastsussex@sussex.pnn.police.uk
Prevent training
Preventing violent extremism training
Complete the Preventing Violent Extremism course on the Learning pool.
The course will introduce you to the Prevent Counterterrorism Strategy.
It is aimed at those working with children, young people and families. You will learn about the Prevent agenda and your role within it, including statutory duties.
Prevent duty training
Prevent duty training | GOV.UK
This e-learning was developed by the Home Office. It will help you understand the:
- objectives of Prevent
- working process
- roles and responsibilities
It shares key learning and best practice from around the country. You will work through example case studies so you can see the process in action.
Model safeguarding school policy
It is rare for school children to become involved in criminal extremist activity. But young people can be exposed to extremist views online from an early age.
This policy has been developed for East Sussex schools. It contains details on how you will protect children from messages of violent extremism:
Model child protection and safeguarding policy
Promoting British values
The government has set out the need for ‘British values’. These aim to help everyone live in safe and welcoming communities where they feel they belong.
The government's definition of British values
This guidance explains what they expect pupils to learn and some actions that schools can take:
Promoting British values | GOV.UK
Prevent resources for schools
Educate against hate provides government advice and trusted resources for schools to:
- safeguard students from radicalisation
- build resilience to all types of extremism
- promote shared values
This resource includes:
- classroom resources
- government guidance
- training for staff
- posters and leaflets
Act Early provides practical help and guidance on spotting the signs of radicalisation.
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