It’s a difficult topic to discuss at the best of times but given the current climate, issues around radicalisation and terrorism are something all school staff should be aware of.  The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places new reporting requirements on schools and academies.

It’s a difficult topic to discuss at the best of times but given the current climate, issues around radicalisation and terrorism are something all school staff should be aware of.  The Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 places new reporting requirements on schools and academies.

“The Prevent Duty” advice issued by the DfE is non-statutory but is designed to help readers understand the implications of “Prevent”.  The initiative as you may well be aware, is to look at strategies having due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn in to terrorism. It is essential that staff are aware of how to identify children who may be vulnerable to radicalisation  and know what to do when they are identified. It is so important, that there is specific reference in OfSTead’s revised common inspection framework which came into effect this September.

The DfE guidance ( Click here )  does state that it is not necessary for schools and childcare settings to have specific policies as general safeguarding principles apply. However, there are several training providers offering training on “Prevent” and local police forces also have some training available.

The DfE guidance states “As a minimum, however, schools should ensure that the Designated Safeguarding Lead undertakes Prevent awareness training and is able to provide advice and support to other members of staff on protecting children from the risk of radicalisation”.

If your school has not already embarked on at least awareness training for staff, now is the time to act. Please find some time to read through the DfE Guidance.