The government has updated and redeveloped its resources for schools around the Prevent Duty.
The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation (DfE)
This updated guidance reflects learning since the implementation of the Prevent Duty in 2015 under section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015. The materials have been developed by frontline practitioners in local authorities, with support from the Department for Education. This guidance is for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs); and those who working in education settings who have safeguarding responsibilities for keeping children, young people and adult learners safe in schools, colleges and further education independent training providers.
The guidance is designed to explain the Prevent referral process and the statutory responsibilities to keep children, young people and adult learners safe from the risk of extremist ideology or radicalisation; and will prepare DSLs to respond effectively and get support for people who may be being exploited by radicalising influences. Sections in the guidance include:
- The Prevent duty: an introduction for those with safeguarding responsibilities
- Understanding and identifying radicalisation risk in your education setting
- Managing risk of radicalisation in your education setting
- Case studies
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-prevent-duty-safeguarding-learners-vulnerable-to-radicalisation
Prevent duty self-assessment tool for schools (DfE)
This guidance applies to schools in England identified in Ofsted’s education inspection framework, including:
- local-authority-maintained schools
- academies
- non-association independent schools
- registered early years settings
This self-assessment tool has been designed to assist schools in England to review their Prevent related responsibilities in line with:
- Section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (CTSA)
- Ofsted’s Education Inspection Framework (EIF) 2022
The tool helps schools to understand how well embedded their existing policies and practices are, and to encourage a cycle of continuous review and improvement.
Use of the tool is not mandatory but contains both requirements and recommended good practice activities to meet those requirements. The tool should be read in conjunction with the Prevent duty guidance and the Education Inspection Framework (EIF)
Find the self-assessment tool here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-self-assessment-tool-for-schools
Making a referral to Prevent (DfE)
Safeguarding children, young people and adult learners from extremism or radicalisation is no different to other types of safeguarding harms, many of which are interconnected.
A Prevent referral is not an accusation of criminality and will not affect a person’s education or career prospects. Instead, it allows for their circumstances to be assessed and any relevant safeguarding support to be provided.
DSLs should exercise their professional judgment about whether a referral is appropriate, as they do for all other safeguarding risks.
This guidance from the DfE also suggests whole school an individual interventions.
Find out more here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/making-a-referral-to-prevent
