Prevent: Counter terrorism and extremism in our communities

Essential information for childcare providers

What is Prevent?

Prevent is about ensuring we all work together to ‘prevent’ children, young people and adults from being drawn into extremist activity including acts of terrorism. It is about everyone taking responsibility and knowing what to do if they have concerns.

The current threat from terrorism in the United Kingdom is high and can involve the exploitation of vulnerable people, including children of all ages. Staffordshire has a Prevent strategy with a delivery plan which aims to:

• Tackle the causes of radicalisation and respond to the ideological challenge of terrorism;
• Safeguard and support those at risk of radicalisation through early intervention, identifying them and offering support;
• Enable those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.

What you need to know as a childcare provider?

• Evidence shows that young children can be radicalised and childcare providers, therefore need to know how to spot the signs which could suggest concern.
• Have an understanding of the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board (SSSCB) guidance on *Safeguarding People who are vulnerable to being drawn into Violent Extremism and/ or Terrorism in Staffordshire/Stoke on Trent  with a clear understanding of the vulnerability factors, referral pathway and channel panel process.  (Section 6A & 6L are of specific relevance).

What you need to do as a childcare provider?

• Update your setting’s Safeguarding Policies and Procedures to reflect the referral process for Prevent with regard to vulnerability factors as stated in the appendices
• Complete the Staffordshire Safeguarding Self Assessment Tool which contains a section on Prevent

• Attend a childcare focussed ‘Short Prevent’ or WRAP training session. Settings should speak to their Early Years Quality Support Consultant (EYQSC) about future briefings available via Entrust
• Make sure all staff are briefed about Prevent and understand what to look for and the referral process – Ofsted will question you and your staff about this.

• Be vigilant and take responsibility for any concerns you have and call the Prevent team if you need further support/information direct on: 01785 232054 or via email prevent@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk

Further guidance

• If the practitioner feels that advising the parents / carer of the referral would increase the risk of harm to the child, then the practitioner should not inform them of the referral. However, it would be useful if the practitioner could tell the Prevent Team that they have not made the parents aware of the referral and the reasons for this, as this will help to inform the assessment.
• If there is risk of immediate harm or danger then the practitioner should contact 999 or the Police Anti-Terrorist Hotline ( 0800 789 321 ).
• If it is appropriate and safe to do so, then the practitioner can tell the parents / carers that they are making a referral to the Prevent Team (in the same way that they would advise them they are making a referral to First Response).

Please note that a referral to the Prevent Team is the same as any other safeguarding referral and the same rules apply.

Further information/links:

Foundation Years - Prevent duty departmental advice (PDF)