The Prevent Duty
What is the Prevent duty?
Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people from becoming involved in terrorism or supporting terrorist or extremist causes. The Prevent strategy covers all forms of extremism, including extreme right-wing views, violent religious extremism and other ideological causes.
How does the Prevent duty apply to schools?
Since July 2015, all schools have a legal duty to help safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.
This means schools have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views in the same way we protect them from other risks such as drugs, gangs or online harm. Importantly, schools provide a safe and supportive environment where pupils can ask questions, discuss concerns and learn how to keep themselves safe.
What does this look like in practice?
Many of the things we already do as a school to support pupils’ wellbeing and development also help meet the Prevent duty. These include:
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Teaching children about different cultures, religions and beliefs
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Promoting diversity, tolerance and mutual respect
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Challenging prejudice, discrimination and racist behaviour
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Helping pupils develop critical thinking skills and a strong, positive sense of identity
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Supporting pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development
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Promoting British values such as democracy and the rule of law
We also take practical steps to reduce the risk of radicalisation, such as:
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Using internet filtering and monitoring systems to prevent access to extremist material
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Carefully vetting visitors and external speakers
How schools deliver the Prevent duty will vary depending on the age of the children and the needs of the local community.
How does Prevent relate to British values?
Schools have been required to promote British values since 2014, and this continues as part of the Prevent strategy. These values include:
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Democracy
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The rule of law
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Individual liberty
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Mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
Isn’t my child too young to learn about extremism?
The Prevent duty is not about exposing young children to inappropriate content. For younger pupils, it focuses on teaching important values such as kindness, respect, tolerance and understanding, which help children grow into confident and resilient individuals.
Is extremism really a risk in our area?
Extremism can take many forms, including political, religious and misogynistic extremism. Some forms may be more prevalent in certain areas than others. Our role is to ensure all children are equipped with the skills they need to recognise and challenge harmful views, wherever they may encounter them.
Key Terms
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Extremism – Vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values such as democracy, the rule of law and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
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Ideology – A set of beliefs or ideas
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Terrorism – The use of violence against people or property to create fear and promote a political, religious or ideological cause
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Radicalisation – The process by which a person comes to support extremism or terrorism
Further Information
If you have any questions or concerns about the Prevent duty or what it means for your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school.