Prevent duty

The Prevent Duty – Protecting Our Communities

From 1 July 2015 schools are subject to a duty under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015, to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism”.

What is the Prevent strategy?

Prevent is a government strategy designed to stop people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorist or extremist causes.

The Prevent strategy covers all types of terrorism and extremism, including the extreme right wing, violent Islamist groups and other causes.

What is the Prevent Duty?

The Prevent Duty is the duty in the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 on schools, to have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism.

What it means for schools

From July 2015 all schools (as well as other organisations) have a duty to safeguard children from radicalisation and extremism.

• Staff are expected to be able to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation, and know what to do when they are identified.
• Schools can build students’ resilience to radicalisation by promoting fundamental British values and enabling them to challenge extremist views.
• Schools should provide a safe space in which children, young people and staff can understand the risks associated with terrorism and develop the knowledge and skills to be able to challenge extremist arguments.
• Schools have a responsibility to protect children from extremist and violent views the same way as they protect them from drugs or gang violence.