Prevent

WHAT IS PREVENT DUTY?

Prevent Duty is about safeguarding and supporting those vulnerable to radicalisation. All staff working within an educational setting have a statutory duty, as specified under section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015, to have due regard for the prevention of terrorism, to identify vulnerable children and prevent them from being drawn into terrorism.

Over time the UK (United Kingdom) has become a more multicultural society with over 300 languages spoken in British schools today. Unfortunately to some groups and individuals, the growth of a diverse culture is not beneficial. There are those who are opposed to multiculturalism, including those with different religions and ethnicity. Thus, prevent was introduced, to protect people and to try and help those who have been affected by extremism.

The Home Office’s updated counter-terrorism strategy states that through Prevent, the government, local authorities, police, and communities will continue to safeguard and support vulnerable people from the risk of being drawn into terrorism. For schools and colleges to fulfill the Prevent duty, it is essential that staff can identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation and know what to do when they are identified.