The Prevent Strategy

Prevent is part of the UK’s counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST, and it became a legal duty for childcare providers under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015. This Prevent duty training for early years explains what radicalisation and extremism are, why vulnerability matters more than any profile, and what every member of staff should do if they have a concern.

Radicalisation is a safeguarding issue. Concerns go through the same safeguarding policy, procedures and designated safeguarding lead as any other worry about a child or adult, so the course builds on what your team already knows.

Why Prevent duty training matters

Under the 2015 Act, local authorities, schools and childcare providers must have due regard to the need to prevent people being drawn into terrorism. The course treats radicalisation as a form of abuse, and like any abuse it calls for safeguarding measures. Every member of staff is responsible for safeguarding, so the duty is part of everyone’s role, not only the manager’s.

People who seek to radicalise use the internet and social media to find vulnerable people, befriend them and send them extremist messages, videos and images. The course compares this with the way sexual predators groom young people online. Staff who understand how it works, and what vulnerability can look like, are better placed to notice when a parent, carer or colleague may be at risk and to pass that concern on.

What’s in the course

1. CONTEST and PreventThe UK counter-terrorism strategy, its four strands and where Prevent fits.
2. The legal dutyThe Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 and the three themes of Prevent: ideologies, individuals and institutions.
3. Key termsWhat radicalisation, extremism and terrorism mean, and the many forms extremism can take.
4. How radicalisation happensReal-world connections, the internet and social media, lone actors and the promises used to lure people in.
5. Who may be at riskWhy vulnerability is the one common factor, and the indicators that may point to it.
6. Making judgementsWhy caution matters, the behaviours that may need urgent action, and the Channel vulnerability framework.
7. Acting on concernsFollowing your safeguarding policy, knowing your designated safeguarding lead, referring and never investigating alone.
8. Assessment10 questions. Pass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.

What you’ll learn

• The four strands of CONTEST: Prevent, Pursue, Protect and Prepare
• Where the Prevent duty comes from, and who it applies to
• How extremism is defined, including opposition to fundamental British values: democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs
• The many forms extremism can take, from extreme right-wing and left-wing groups to animal rights and environmental extremism
• How people are lured in, with promises of excitement, glory and freedom or material rewards such as cash or housing
• Indicators of vulnerability, including identity crisis, personal crisis, personal circumstances, unmet aspirations and experiences of criminality
• The behaviours that may need urgent action: contact with extremists, extremist language and views, justifying violence and possessing extremist literature
• What to do with a concern: follow your safeguarding policy, go to your designated safeguarding lead, refer it and never investigate on your own

Who this course is for

• All early years practitioners, since every member of staff is responsible for safeguarding
• Designated safeguarding leads and managers who handle referrals and check how the setting meets the duty
• New starters who need Prevent as part of their safeguarding training
• Office, kitchen and support staff who talk with families and visitors every day

How it works

• OnlineStudy on any device and pick up where you left off.
• Interactive moduleSlides and a short video you work through at your own pace.
• 10-question assessmentPass mark 80%. Resit as many times as you need.
• CertificateIssued when you pass. NFAQ accredited.

Frequently asked questions