The "Prevent Duty Guidance: Guidance for Specified Authorities in England and Wales" is an essential document for schools and educational authorities. It outlines key strategies and responsibilities to prevent radicalisation and terrorism. This blog aims to unpack the guidance, providing a clear overview and actionable checklist for headteachers.
Key Themes of the Prevent Duty Guidance:
1. Status and Scope: The guidance clarifies the legal status and applicability of the Prevent duty, ensuring all specified authorities are aware of their responsibilities.
2. Objectives and Delivery Model: It details the objectives of Prevent, focusing on early intervention and a comprehensive delivery model.
3. Compliance: Leadership and capabilities are emphasised, along with strategies to reduce environments conducive to radicalisation.
4. Sector-Specific Guidance: Tailored advice is provided for sectors such as education, healthcare, and criminal justice, addressing their unique challenges and roles.
5. Monitoring and Assurance: The importance of ongoing monitoring and ensuring compliance across sectors is a crucial aspect of the guidance.
Actions for Schools:
1. Curriculum and Resilience Building: Schools should integrate subjects like Citizenship and RSHE to teach positive relationships and respect for differences. Participation in programmes like the United Nations Rights Respecting Schools Programme is encouraged.
2. Managing Visiting Speakers: Implementing protocols for visiting speakers ensures they align with British values and do not pose a risk to the school's ethos.
3. Information Transfer and Compliance: Effective information sharing, particularly when a child transfers schools, is crucial for continued support and safeguarding.
4. IT Policies and Content Filtering: Developing IT policies specific to the Prevent duty, including content filtering, is essential in safeguarding against harmful online content.
5. Monitoring and Assurance: Regular inspections by Ofsted, ISI in England, or Estyn in Wales ensure schools maintain a culture of safeguarding and effectively identify learners at risk.
Headteachers' Checklist for Compliance:
1. Curriculum Integration: Incorporate programmes promoting rights and democracy, adjusting the approach to suit different educational levels.
2. Resilience Building: Develop strategies to bolster learners' resilience against radicalisation.
3. Visiting Speakers Protocol: Establish clear guidelines for assessing and managing visiting speakers.
4. Information Sharing and Child Protection: Stay updated with child protection regulations and ensure proper information transfer for safeguarding purposes.
5. IT Policy Management: Regularly review and update IT policies in line with the Prevent duty.
6. Assuring Compliance and Monitoring: Prepare for and actively engage in inspection processes, focusing on comprehensive safeguarding practices.
7. Cultivating a Safeguarding Culture: Foster an environment that supports early identification of learners needing help or at risk.
Conclusion:
The "Prevent Duty Guidance" provides a critical framework for schools in England and Wales to effectively contribute to counter-terrorism efforts. By following the outlined actions and adhering to the checklist, headteachers can ensure a safe, inclusive, and secure learning environment. For the full document and more in-depth information, visit the UK Government's official publication .