The Department of Education (DfE) has introduced some updates to the Prevent duty guidance, effective from 31 December 2023, in alignment with recommendations of the Independent Review of Prevent.
While the core components of Prevent remain unchanged, there have been adaptions to the ideological causes of terrorism and what schools can do, for example, building resilience through the curriculum. A new section on information sharing and how it links to Keeping children safe in education (KCSIE) has also been included. The DfE has assembled a sector briefing explaining the changes.
Prevent duty is the school's responsibility, and they should continue to understand their Prevent duty requirements as part of their wider safeguarding responsibilities outlined in KCSIE.
What can you do?
Prevent duty awareness training:
To effectively fulfil the Prevent duty, all school staff members must be equipped with the knowledge and skills to identify children and young people vulnerable to radicalisation. KCSIE emphasises the importance of Prevent duty awareness training, which enables staff to recognise signs of potential radicalisation and empowers them to challenge extremist ideas. The duty is not just a mandate but a collective responsibility of those working within the educational system.
Educate Against Hate is a website jointly developed by the DfE and Home Office to provide schools with advice and resources to help safeguard students from radicalisation, build resilience to all types of extremism and promote shared values.
Community-level delivery:
Prevent is primarily delivered at the community level through local authorities and partnerships in education and healthcare. This approach ensures that the risks of radicalisation are understood within the local context, emphasising the need for effective partnerships to provide the right support for children and young people. The goal of Prevent is not punitive; instead, it focuses on supporting individuals susceptible to radicalisation.
The Notice, Check, Share procedure:
Prevent has introduced a simple yet effective procedure for addressing concerns about someone getting involved in terrorism: Notice, Check, Share.
1. Notice:
School staff are encouraged to observe for signs such as advocating extremist messages or refusing to listen to different points of view.
2. Check:
Those working closely with young people are well-placed to notice changes in behaviour. If you think a child or young person might be at risk of being radicalised into terrorism, you should share your concerns with the designated safeguarding lead (DSL).
Ask yourself or a colleague:
- Is there an alternative explanation?
- Has there been a change of circumstances at home?
- Are your colleagues seeing these behaviours?
3. Share:
In the event of a concern, you should follow standard safeguarding procedures and share your concerns with the DSL. The DSL, in turn, should be familiar with local procedures for making a Prevent referral. Remember to share information early to help reduce risk and get support for the young person if needed.
Need more support with safeguarding?
Get unlimited whole-school access to over 80 expert-written training courses –updated in line with best practice and statutory guidance, enabling staff to expand and strengthen their knowledge in safeguarding, compliance, health and safety, and well-being, including Prevent Duty and Extremism and Radicalisation. While Prevent Duty has been recently updated, no new legal requirements or additional responsibilities exist.
Our Extremism and Radicalisation course goes into more detail about risk factors, structural barriers and protective factors. It also covers guidance on distinguishing hate speech from acceptable speech and dealing with online hate speech. The course also provides insights into promoting good general practice in your own school.
By incorporating these courses into your training programmes, you can better equip your staff to address and prevent radicalisation within your community.
