The Prevent Duty
At our school, safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do. As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we are committed to protecting children from all forms of harm, including the risk of radicalisation and extremism. This responsibility is known as the Prevent Duty.
The Prevent Duty was introduced through the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and places a legal duty on schools and other public bodies to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism".
What is Prevent?
Prevent is part of the Government's wider counter-terrorism strategy and aims to:
- Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism.
- Intervene early to support people who may be vulnerable to radicalisation.
- Support the rehabilitation and disengagement of those who have become involved in terrorism.
Prevent is fundamentally a safeguarding initiative. It is about protecting vulnerable individuals from being exploited or influenced by extremist views in the same way that we protect children from other risks such as bullying, exploitation or abuse.
What is Radicalisation?
Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support extremist beliefs or terrorism. This can happen online, through social media, gaming platforms, messaging services or through direct contact with individuals promoting extremist views.
There is no single profile of a person who may be vulnerable to radicalisation. Individuals can become susceptible for a range of reasons, including feeling isolated, struggling with identity, a sense of belonging or personal difficulties.
How We Promote British Values
One of the most effective ways to protect children from extremist influences is through the promotion of Fundamental British Values, which are embedded throughout our curriculum and school culture:
- Democracy
- The Rule of Law
- Individual Liberty
- Mutual Respect
- Tolerance of Different Faiths and Beliefs
Children are encouraged to think critically, express their views respectfully, challenge stereotypes and develop an understanding of the diverse world around them. These values are taught through the curriculum, assemblies, pupil leadership opportunities and daily school life.
How We Keep Children Safe
Our school:
- Has trained safeguarding staff, including a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
- Follows national safeguarding guidance and Wiltshire safeguarding procedures.
- Provides staff training on Prevent and safeguarding.
- Teaches children how to stay safe online and recognise misinformation and harmful influences.
- Encourages pupils to speak to a trusted adult if they are worried about themselves or others.
- Works closely with parents, Wiltshire Council and other safeguarding partners where concerns arise.
- Has a robust Prevent Risk Assessment, both at school and Trust level
Online Safety and Prevent
As part of our online safety curriculum, children learn how to stay safe online, think critically about information they encounter and recognise that not everything they see, hear or read online is trustworthy.
We teach pupils how to report concerns, seek help and make safe choices when using websites, social media, gaming platforms and online communication tools. This work supports our wider safeguarding and Prevent responsibilities.
What Happens if There is a Concern?
If a member of staff is concerned that a child may be vulnerable to radicalisation, the concern will be managed in line with our safeguarding procedures and may be discussed with external safeguarding professionals where appropriate.
Prevent referrals are designed to provide support at an early stage. In many cases, advice, guidance or other forms of support may be offered to the individual and their family.
Where appropriate, concerns may be considered through Channel, a voluntary multi-agency safeguarding programme which provides support to individuals vulnerable to being drawn into terrorism.
Emergency Preparedness
As part of our safeguarding responsibilities, we help children understand how to respond calmly and appropriately in a range of emergency situations. Through assemblies, classroom discussions and whole-school procedures, pupils learn about personal safety, following instructions, identifying trusted adults and knowing how to seek help when they are concerned. This links closely to our work around the Prevent Duty, as both areas aim to develop resilience, critical thinking and an understanding of how to stay safe when faced with risks or challenging situations. By promoting awareness, preparedness and confidence, we support children to make informed decisions and contribute positively to the safety and wellbeing of themselves and others.
Further Information
Wiltshire Council Prevent Information
https://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/community-safety-prevent
Wiltshire Safeguarding Vulnerable People Partnership (SVPP)
https://www.wiltshiresvpp.org.uk
Educate Against Hate
https://www.educateagainsthate.com
ACT Early
https://www.actearly.uk
Government Prevent Duty Guidance
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance
If you would like further information about the Prevent Duty or safeguarding at our school, please contact the school office and ask to speak to a member of the safeguarding team.