Prevent in education settings

Educational organisations must have 'due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’. This is known as the 'Prevent duty'.

Risks and responsibilities 

Children and young people can be exposed to extremist ideology. This can cause problems with their social development and education, as well as the risk of supporting or taking part in an act of violence.

Protecting children from the risk of radicalisation should be seen as part of a school's wider safeguarding duties, in the same way as protecting children from other forms of harm like drugs, gangs, neglect and sexual exploitation. Schools have a role to play in:

• challenging extremist narratives and the intolerance that underpins them
• creating ‘safe space’ environments where debate and discussion is encouraged and students feel confident to share opinions and ask questions
• considering the impact of international and local events on students
• understanding how to support vulnerable individuals
• building the resilience of students and of their communities
• allowing grievances to be aired

Prevent awareness training for teachers and school staff

We can provide advice and support local schools and colleges in:

• briefing senior leadership teams or governors on how they might respond to changes in legislation and satisfy Ofsted requirements
• assisting with curriculum design to provide specific learning opportunities that challenge extremist narratives and promote the exchange of ideas, critical analysis and tolerance
• assisting with organising relevant external speakers and student workshops

We also offer training to help staff to understand and recognise vulnerabilities that can lead to radicalisation and make appropriate referrals.

Our free training session explores how radicalisation and extremism can take root and develop, what you can do to stop it and how you can share your concerns about a vulnerable person to access specialist support.

Email prevent@islington.gov.uk