The number of children and young people being referred to Prevent or arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences has been increasing in recent years. Children and young people may be at risk of radicalisation from exposure to materials or influences that support or endorse terrorism and extremism. It is vital we work together to support those young people at risk in this way.

Local authorities and other public bodies, including schools, have a legal duty to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism and to provide support via the Channel programme to people who are at risk of being drawn into terrorism.

The risks posed to children and young people by radicalisation are included within the criteria for determining whether children and young people are in need of early help, specialist support or protection. If you are concerned about a child or young person at risk from radicalisation please use your designated safeguarding route to contact the Lambeth Prevent Team for advice about a potential referral. You can also call the ACT Early Support line on 0800 011 3764. This support line is available 24 hours every day.

The statutory Prevent Duty should be reflected in every school’s policies and practices. Please ensure:

1. Your safeguarding lead has completed a Prevent risk assessment for the school.
2. Your staff have received Prevent training directly from Lambeth’s Prevent Education Officer every 2 years
3. Prevent is reflected within your safeguarding policy, visitors and speakers’ policy and I.T policy

For help with the above, and for further educational resources to build the resilience of your young people, please contact prevent@lambeth.gov.uk.  

Further educational resources are available at Educate Against Hate, including lesson plans, helpful information for parents and a Prevent toolkit for DSLs.