Guidance

The Prevent duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation

Support for those working in education settings with safeguarding responsibilities.

• From: Department for Education
• Published: 24 October 2022
• Last updated: 7 September 2023 — See all updates

Applies to England

Documents

The Prevent duty: an introduction for those with safeguarding responsibilities

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Understanding and identifying radicalisation risk in your education setting

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Managing risk of radicalisation in your education setting

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Case studies

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Details

If you need to raise concerns about a learner who you think may be vulnerable to radicalisation, read about making a referral to Prevent.

This guidance is for:

• designated safeguarding leads (DSLs)
• 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
• 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.

Read this guidance 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

The practical advice and examples of best practice in this guidance should supplement your 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.

Published 24 October 2022
Last updated 7 September 2023 + show all updates

1. 7 September 2023

   Updated to reflect changes to the Prevent duty guidance for England, Scotland and Wales.

2. 24 October 2022

   First published.