--- title: "PREVENT Duty" url: "https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/safeguarding-statement/prevent-duty" school: "The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School" --- # PREVENT Duty ## Prevent Duty – A Summary for Parents and Carers ### What is the Prevent Duty? The **Prevent Duty** is part of UK safeguarding law. It requires schools and other public organisations to help **protect children from being drawn into terrorism or extremist ideas**, in the same way they protect children from other harms such as drugs, gangs, or exploitation. [\[assets.pub...ice.gov.uk\]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65e5a5bd3f69457ff1035fe2/14.258_HO_Prevent+Duty+Guidance_v5d_Final_Web_1_.pdf), [\[gov.uk\]](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance) --- ### Why does this apply to schools? Schools have a **legal responsibility** under the **Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015** to: - Keep children safe - Promote their wellbeing - Support pupils who may be vulnerable to harmful influences Protecting children from radicalisation is treated as **part of normal safeguarding**, not something separate or punitive. [\[assets.pub...ice.gov.uk\]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65e5a5bd3f69457ff1035fe2/14.258_HO_Prevent+Duty+Guidance_v5d_Final_Web_1_.pdf) --- ### What does “radicalisation” mean? Radicalisation is a **process** where someone may gradually come to support **extreme or harmful ideas** that could lead to violence or terrorism. It does **not** mean: - Holding strong opinions - Discussing political or religious views - Peaceful protest or debate Schools support **open discussion and critical thinking**, while helping children stay safe. [\[gov.uk\]](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance) --- ### How do schools carry out the Prevent Duty? Schools do this in **age‑appropriate and proportionate ways**, including: - **Teaching children how to think critically** - Promoting **respect, tolerance, and understanding of different beliefs** - Encouraging **positive values** such as democracy and the rule of law - Providing a **safe space to discuss concerns or questions** - Using **internet filtering and monitoring** to prevent access to harmful content - Training staff to recognise when a child may need **extra support**. [\[assets.pub...ice.gov.uk\]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65e5a5bd3f69457ff1035fe2/14.258_HO_Prevent+Duty+Guidance_v5d_Final_Web_1_.pdf) --- ### Does this mean children are monitored or labelled? No. The guidance is clear that: - There is **no single profile** of a child at risk - Children are **not labelled or accused** - Any concerns are handled **sensitively and proportionately** - Support is offered **early**, before problems escalate. [\[assets.pub...ice.gov.uk\]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65e5a5bd3f69457ff1035fe2/14.258_HO_Prevent+Duty+Guidance_v5d_Final_Web_1_.pdf) --- ### What happens if a school is worried about a child? If staff are concerned, they follow the school’s **safeguarding procedures**, which may include: - Talking with the child - Working with parents or carers - Seeking advice from safeguarding professionals In some cases, schools may refer to **Channel**, a voluntary support programme that helps children and families access guidance and support. This is **not a criminal process** and focuses on wellbeing. [\[gov.uk\]](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance) --- ### How are parents involved? Schools aim to: - Work **openly and honestly** with parents - Share concerns where appropriate - Support families, not blame them Parents are encouraged to: - Talk to their child about what they learn - Contact the school if they have questions or worries - Raise any concerns with the school’s **Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)** **The full guidance is available [here](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65e5a5bd3f69457ff1035fe2/14.258_HO_Prevent+Duty+Guidance_v5d_Final_Web_1_.pdf)** ### School Life - [Headteacher's Welcome](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/welcome) - [Safeguarding ](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/safeguarding-statement) - [Safeguarding Information](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/safeguarding-statement/safeguarding-information) - [Safeguarding Policies](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/safeguarding-statement/safeguarding-policies) - [Online Safety](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/safeguarding-statement/online-safety) - [Operation Encompass](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/safeguarding-statement/operation-encompass) - [PREVENT Duty](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/safeguarding-statement/prevent-duty) - [Staff](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/staff) - [Our School Day](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/our-school-day) - [Inclusion](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/key/special-education-needs-sen-and-disability-information-inclusion) - [Catholic Life of the School](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/catholic-life-of-the-school) - [Before & After School Club](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/breakfast-after-school-club) - [School Improvement](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/school-improvement) - [Anti-Bullying](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/anti-bullying) - [Policies and Key Documentation](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/policies-and-key-documentation) - [Data Protection & Privacy](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/data-protection-privacy) - [Faith](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/our-school/our-faith) ![School Logo](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/images/logo/logo-footer.png)The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School Farringdon Lane, Ribbleton, Preston, Lancashire PR2 6LX ### About The Trust Mater Ecclesiae Catholic Trust W\_rkspace 3 Caxton Road, Fulwood, Preston, Lancashire PR2 9ZZ [Visit Trust Website](https://mecmat.org/) ### Quick Links ### Office 365 [Sign in to Office 365](https://outlook.office.com/) ### Follow Us [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057592182298#) [Twitter](https://x.com/BlessedPreston) [![Trust Mark](https://www.blessedsacrament.mecmat.org/images/homepage/Diocese_of_Lancaster_In_Line_White.png)](https://www.lrcd.org.uk/) © The Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School. 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