Prevent Duty In Schools (Part 2)

In Part 1 of this Prevent Duty blog series, we discussed what Prevent Duty is and its importance. If you have not read it, feel free to read it first. Now that we have established a strong foundation, it is time to get practical.

In Part 2, we will walk through five actionable steps every school can take to include Prevent Duty into their safeguarding practice. If you are a school leader just getting started or a safeguarding lead refining your existing approach, these strategies will help you create a safer, more resilient school environment for every learner. Keep reading to learn how to turn Prevent Duty from policy into practice.

5 Steps to Implement Prevent Duty in Your School

1. Train Staff on Recognising the Signs of Radicalisation: Ensure that all staff members, from teachers to support staff, are trained in recognising the early signs of radicalisation. This includes changes in behaviour, isolation, or the expression of extremist views.
2. Develop a Prevent Duty Policy: Every school should have a clear Prevent Duty policy in place. This should outline the procedures for reporting concerns, the role of staff, and how interventions will be handled. It should be accessible to all staff and regularly reviewed.
3. Create Safe Spaces for Students to Talk: A culture of open dialogue can help prevent radicalisation. Encourage students to voice concerns and ask questions in a safe environment. Implementing programmes that promote tolerance and respect for diversity will also reduce the risk of students adopting extremist views.
4. Work with External Partners: Schools should collaborate with local authorities, the police, and Prevent Duty experts to ensure that they are supported in implementing their responsibilities. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive the right interventions and support when needed.
5. Make Referrals When Necessary: If a staff member identifies a student at risk of radicalisation, it is important to follow the referral procedures set out by your school and or local authority. In cases of concern, schools can make a Prevent referral to the police, who will assess the risk and decide on further action.

How To Get Started with Prevent Duty

Implementing Prevent Duty may seem daunting at first, but taking it step-by-step can make the process manageable. Start by reviewing your school’s current safeguarding policies and ensuring they include Prevent Duty. If you have not already, consider arranging a training session with us for your staff and providing them with the tools to identify and manage concerns related to radicalisation. Committing to Prevent Duty means you are actively protecting your students and creating a learning environment free from the threat of extremism.

If you are a school leader or safeguarding professional and want to ensure your school is fully equipped to handle Prevent Duty, we offer consultancy services and training sessions. These can help you implement Prevent Duty in your school or organisation with confidence and clarity.

Interested? Get in touch with us today by calling 07041577397 or sending an email to info@safegliaconsult.com to schedule a free consultation or learn more about how Prevent Duty can be effectively integrated into your safeguarding strategy.

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