Anti-Radicalisation – Prevent Duty Policy

 

Policy Statement
Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all students under our care. As part of our broader safeguarding responsibilities, we recognise our legal duty under the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to have due regard to preventing individuals from being drawn into terrorism. This duty, known as the Prevent Duty, is integral to our overall safeguarding framework.

 

Legislation and Guidance

Skywise follows the most recent government guidance for preventing extremism and radicalisation, specifically:

●      The Prevent Duty: Safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation (updated 2023) – published by the Department for Education

o   Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/protecting-children-from-radicalisation-the-prevent-duty

●      Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales (2023) – statutory guidance issued under section 29 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

o   Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/prevent-duty-guidance

This policy aligns with the following key legislation and statutory guidance:

●      Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015

●      Keeping Children Safe in Education (DfE, 2024)

●      Working Together to Safeguard Children (DfE, 2023)

●      Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales (2023)

 

Prevent Strategy Overview
The Prevent strategy is part of the UK’s broader counter-terrorism strategy, CONTEST, and aims to:

●      Tackle the ideological causes of terrorism.

●      Intervene early to support individuals susceptible to radicalisation.

●      Enable those who have already engaged in terrorism to disengage and rehabilitate.

 

Local Prevent : Redbridge Borough
Operating within the London Borough of Redbridge, Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd adheres to local Prevent procedures and support structures.

The Prevent Co-ordinator for Redbridge can be contacted via:

●      Email: prevent@redbridge.gov.uk

●      Phone: 020 8708 5971

●      Website: Redbridge Prevent Information

The Redbridge Prevent team offers training and support to education providers to help meet their statutory safeguarding duties.

 

Recognising the Risk of Radicalisation
Children and young people may be vulnerable to radicalisation through various channels, including online platforms, peer influence, or community interactions. Factors contributing to vulnerability include:

●      Identity crisis or feelings of isolation.

●      Personal or family stress.

●      Perceived injustice or experiences of discrimination.

●      Exposure to extremist materials.

Indicators of radicalisation may encompass sudden behavioural changes, expressing extremist views, accessing extremist content, or attempting to recruit others to a cause.

 

Reporting and Referral Procedure
Any concerns relating to radicalisation or extremist behaviour should be treated as a safeguarding matter and reported immediately.

In accordance with AEGIS guidelines, the first point of contact in an emergency or out-of-hours situation must always be the Skywise 24-hour emergency contact:

●      24-Hour Emergency Contact (UK): Miss Grace Shuiyi Lee – 07767 599 455 – info@skywisegroup.com

●      24-Hour Emergency Contact (China): Mrs Yanpin Chen – 0086 139 1175 8089 – carol.chen@skywisegroup.com

Following the initial call, the emergency contact will notify the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) :

●      DSL: Ms Zhiying Zheng – 07792 766 329 – tina.zheng@skywisegroup.com

A written report of the concern should be submitted to the DSL  as soon as possible. If the individual reporting the concern requires support in documenting the issue, Skywise will assist them in preparing a written account. Support can be provided by phone, email or in person depending on the circumstances.

The DSL will assess the concern, hold an internal safeguarding strategy meeting if necessary, and determine the appropriate course of action. This may include referrals to the local Prevent team, the police, or the Channel Programme.

All steps taken—including the timeline, details of those involved, and decisions made—will be documented securely in line with our Safeguarding and Data Protection policies.

 

Channel Programme
The Channel programme is a confidential, multi-agency initiative designed to support individuals at risk of radicalisation. Participation is voluntary and tailored to individual needs. Further information is available in the Channel Guidance.

 

External Advice and Support

●      National Prevent Advice Helpline: 0800 011 3764

●      Anti-Terrorist Hotline (for immediate threats): 0800 789 321

●      Crimestoppers (anonymous reporting): 0800 555 111 – https://crimestoppers-uk.org

●      Educate Against Hate (Government advice for schools and parents): https://educateagainsthate.com

 

Staff and Volunteer Training

Skywise Educational Guardianship UK Ltd is committed to ensuring all staff, volunteers, and homestay providers have a clear understanding of their responsibilities under the Prevent Duty.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is required to complete all three online training modules recommended by the UK Government to support effective implementation of the Prevent strategy:

●      Prevent Awareness e-learning

●      Prevent Referrals e-learning

●      Channel Awareness Course

These modules help designated safeguarding personnel to:

●      Recognise the signs of radicalisation

●      Respond proportionately

●      Refer appropriately to external agencies, including Channel and the police

 

Advisory for Wider Staff, Volunteers and Homestays

In accordance with AEGIS recommendations:

●      All staff, volunteers and homestay providers are strongly encouraged to complete the basic Prevent awareness e-learning module to understand their role in safeguarding students from radicalisation.

●      Refresher training for the DSL and any other staff involved in Prevent oversight should be undertaken regularly, using either the original training platform or other recognised online safeguarding providers.

●      The DSL is responsible for monitoring training records and ensuring compliance across the organisation.

Skywise will maintain up-to-date records of all training undertaken and ensure that safeguarding and Prevent awareness are integrated into the ongoing induction, monitoring, and development of all staff and homestays.

 

Student and Parent Information
Information regarding radicalisation, extremism, and avenues for seeking assistance is included in the Skywise Student Handbook in age-appropriate language. This includes contact details and reassurances that concerns will be addressed seriously and handled sensitively.

 

Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually or following any significant safeguarding incident or substantial changes in government guidance.

 

 

Date of last review: Mrs Kathertine Lee 01/03/2025
Next review due: 01/03/2026