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Prevent duty guidance

This page is for education professionals working in schools, colleges and early years settings who need to understand Prevent processes and referral routes in Reading Borough.

Introduction

Schools and colleges have a duty under Section 26 of the Counter Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to have “due regard to the need to prevent people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism” as part of their wider safeguarding responsibilities.

The Prevent Duty protects children, young people and adults from the risk of radicalisation – a process where a person becomes vulnerable to extremist influences or drawn into supporting terrorist ideologies. Education settings play a vital role in identifying concerns early and ensuring the right support is provided.

What to do if you are a professional and are concerned about someone

If you are concerned that someone may be at risk of radicalisation, you should follow national guidance for making a Prevent referral.

Steps to follow:

    1. Speak with your organisation’s designated safeguarding lead (DSL) in the first instance.
    2. Follow your local authority’s agreed Prevent referral pathway.
    3. Be aware that referral processes vary by area
      • In some local authorities, you may need to submit a referral to Counter Terrorism Police only.
      • In others, you may be required to make a dual referral to both Prevent police and children’s/adult services.
  1. Your local authority will clearly specify which referral process applies locally to ensure a joined-up, multi-agency response.
  2. If a referral is required, complete the Prevent National Referral Form Get help for radicalisation concerns - GOV.UK

Support is available from your local authority Prevent team or Counter Terrorism Police if you need advice or help completing the referral. Your DfE regional coordinator network can also offer advice and support.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For non urgent concerns, you can contact the police on 101.

Referral routes in Reading

Children’s services:

More information on reporting concerns about a child

Adult services:

  • Call the Social and Healthcare Team on 0118 937 3747
  • Emergency or out-of-hours safeguarding contacts:
    • 01344 786 543, 5pm to 9am Monday to Friday, and 5pm Friday to 9am Monday
More information about protecting adults at risk of abuse

Concerns about an educational provider

For concerns about extremism within an education provider including allegations involving staff, volunteers or external influences, use the reporting extremism form.

Further information and support

The Department for Education (DfE) plays a central role in helping schools safeguard pupils from radicalisation and extremism as part of their wider safeguarding responsibilities.  The DfE provides a range of support, training and guidance to help you strengthen your safeguarding approach and feel assured that you have effective policies and procedures in place to protect individuals who may be susceptible to radicalisation.

The DfE’s regional Prevent education coordinators support and improve Prevent delivery in each region of England. Further information on their roles and responsibilities can be found here: Regional Prevent education providers

Additional support, training and advice offered by the DfE includes:

You can sign up to the Educate Against Hate newsletter on the webpage Educate Against Hate – Prevent Radicalisation & Extremism