Prevent Strategy - Duty bound

Since last July, early years providers have been required to have ‘due regard’ to the need to prevent children from being drawn into terrorism. While for some settings the requirements for vigilant risk assessment form part of the safeguarding work they already do, others fear undermining relationships with families and eroding civil liberties. ‘It is about being vigilant but not spying, taking a balanced view and not being biased,’ says Chrissy Meleady, chief executive of Early Years Equality, who delivers training to local authorities and others on the Prevent duty.

Legal requirement

The legal requirement on settings is set out under section 26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015; the responsibility rests with leaders and managers who are responsible for safeguarding. Ofsted’s new inspection framework, implemented from last September, also includes reference to ‘providers promoting children’s welfare and preventing radicalisation and extremism’, and noticing changes in children’s behaviour which could indicate the need for protection. Ofsted has nominated a Prevent lead for the whole country, appointed regional champions and will have a specially trained lead inspector in each region.