The Prevent Duty

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What is The Prevent Duty?

Prevent is one part of the government’s counter-terrorism guidance. It can be found described in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

Click here for the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015.

The Prevent Duty is the duty of those in authorities to keep people and communities safe from the threat of terrorism. It focuses on preventing people from being drawn into terrorist organisations or ideals.

All the staff at St Mary’s RC Primary have received Prevent training. This has taught our staff about what the Prevent Duty is along with how to apply it in our school. Our staff have been taught how to spot the signs that a child or young person may be at risk of radicalisation, whether religious or political. They have also be trained in clear guidance about what to do if they suspect a child in our school is going through this to help keep them safe and supported.

In an attempt to combat radicalisation, the government decided that  British Values should be taught to children in all UK schools. This is in response to the definition of terrorism as stated within the Prevent Duty Strategy.

Click here for the Prevent Duty Strategy.

Terrorism is defined as:

“Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.”

What is Expected under Prevent Duty?

In 2015, as part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act, Prevent Duty was made the law. Under Section 26 of the act, it placed a duty of care on all schools. This section calls for providers to demonstrate that they are making sure children are not being drawn into terrorism.

Teachers are subject to Prevent Duty and are expected to be:

  • Assessing the risk of children being drawn into terrorism.
  • Demonstrate that they are protecting children and young people from being drawn into terrorism by having robust safeguarding policies.
  • Ensure that their safeguarding arrangements take into account the policies and procedures of the Local Safeguarding Children Board.
  • Make sure that staff has training that gives them the knowledge and confidence to identify children at risk of being drawn into terrorism. They should also be given the tools to challenge extremist ideas, which can be used to legitimise terrorism.
  • Ensuring children are safe from terrorist and extremist material when accessing the internet.

Sign of Radicalisation to Look for in Children

While they are not necessarily signs of radicalisation, there are many signs that are worth bearing in mind as indications of all kinds of potential issues. Some signs to look out for that might indicate a child is in need of help, include:

  • Behavioural changes.
  • Suddenly being part of an entirely new friendship group.
  • Isolating themselves from friends and family.
  • Speech appearing somewhat scripted.
  • Being hesitant to or unable to discuss views and opinion.
  • An increase in disrespect towards others.
  • An increase in anger.
  • An increase in secretiveness, particularly as concerns to online activity.
  • Accessing online extremist material.
  • Using of extreme or violent language.
  • Creating written or artwork that has violent or extremist imagery.