The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation

New Prevent guidance has been issued to support those working in education settings with safeguarding responsibilities.

The practical advice and examples of best practice in the guidance should supplement a setting’s existing safeguarding policies. The use of this guidance is not mandatory, but it does refer to the statutory requirements of the Prevent duty and keeping children safe in education.

This guidance is for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs) and those 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.

This 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 to prepare DSLs to respond effectively and get support for people who may be being exploited by radicalising influences.

This guidance has been developed by frontline practitioners in local authorities, with support from the Department for Education. It reflects learning since the implementation of the Prevent duty in 2015 under section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

This latest guidance is to be read alongside:

Prevent duty guidance for England and Wales

Prevent duty guidance for further education institutions in England and Wales

Protecting children from radicalisation: the prevent duty

Work-based learners and the Prevent statutory duty

Channel guidance

Keeping children safe in education

Working together to safeguard children

Educate Against Hate’s Prevent duty resources