PREVENT

 

What is PREVENT?

 

Prevent is one strand of the UK Government’s CONTEST counter-terrorism strategy. Its aim is to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism or violent extremism by identifying risks early and offering appropriate support.

In Scotland, Prevent operates within a distinct Scottish safeguarding and child protection framework. It is delivered through existing child protection, wellbeing and safeguarding systems, not as a standalone or punitive process.

Prevent in education is therefore:

  • Safeguarding-based
  • Proportionate
  • Rights-respecting
  • Focused on early support and prevention

 

Legal and Policy Context in Scotland

Schools and Early Learning and Childcare (ELC) settings in Scotland are required to have due regard to Prevent under UK legislation, while implementing it through:

  • National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland
  • Getting it Right for Every Child (GIRFEC)
  • UNCRC (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act
  • Local authority child protection and safeguarding procedures

Prevent does not override Scottish child protection processes. Instead, it sits within them.

 

PREVENT in Schools and ELCs

 

Schools and ELCs in Scotland are expected to:

1. Maintain a Safe and Inclusive Ethos

    • Promote respect, inclusion and equality
    • Support learners to develop critical thinking, resilience and emotional wellbeing
    • Create environments where children feel safe to express views and concerns

2. Be Alert to Safeguarding Concerns

Staff should be aware that radicalisation is a safeguarding concern, like other forms of harm.

Potential indicators may include:

    • sudden changes in behaviour or emotional wellbeing
    • increased isolation
    • fixation on extremist narratives
    • expressions of hatred or violence

No single sign is evidence of radicalisation. Concerns must always be considered in context.

3. Follow Established Safeguarding Procedures

Where concerns arise:

    • Staff must follow local authority child protection procedures
    • Concerns are shared with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (Jessica.Burnett@dumgal.gov.uk)
    • Decisions about next steps are made through multi-agency discussion, where appropriate

Prevent concerns are managed through the same pathways as other safeguarding concerns.

4. Deliver Relevant Curriculum Learning

Prevent is supported through:

    • Curriculum for Excellence – Health and Wellbeing
    • Digital literacy
    • Citizenship and rights education

Learning supports children and young people to:

    • understand risk and influence
    • think critically about information
    • develop respectful relationships
    • know where to seek help

 

Schools and ELCs should ensure:

  • Staff understand Prevent within a Scottish safeguarding context
  • Training is proportionate and appropriate to role
  • Leaders provide clarity, reassurance and consistent messaging

 

Inspection and Quality Assurance

HMIe does not inspect Prevent as a standalone duty. Instead, they consider:

  • The effectiveness of safeguarding arrangements
  • Professional learning in relation to PREVENT and impact
  • Staff confidence in identifying and responding to concerns
  • How wellbeing, inclusion and safety are promoted
  • Whether procedures are understood and consistently applied