This page is for education professionals working in schools, colleges and early years settings who need to understand Prevent processes and referral routes in this Local Authority.
Introduction
Schools and colleges have a duty under Section 26 of the Counter‑Terrorism and Security Act 2015 to have "due regard to the need to prevent people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism" as part of their wider safeguarding responsibilities.
The Prevent Duty protects children, young people and adults from the risk of radicalisation - a process where a person becomes vulnerable to extremist influences or drawn into supporting terrorist ideologies. Education settings play a vital role in identifying concerns early and ensuring the right support is provided.
What to do if you are a professional and are concerned about someone
If you are concerned that someone may be at risk of radicalisation, you should follow national guidance for making a Prevent referral.
You should:
Speak with your organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) in the first instance.
Follow your Local Authority's agreed Prevent referral pathway.
Be aware that referral processes vary by area:
in some local authorities, you may need to submit a referral to counter terrorism police only
in others, you may be required to make a dual referral to both Prevent police and children's/adult services
please see our main Prevent page for details about Gateshead's referral process
If a referral is required, complete the Prevent National Referral Form (Word doc, 55 KB)(opens new window)
Support is available from your Local Authority Prevent team or counter terrorism police if you need advice or help completing the referral. Your DfE Regional Co‑ordinator network can also offer advice and support.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999. For non‑urgent concerns, you can contact the police on 101.
Local Authority Prevent Team email: [email protected]
Prevent Police / CTU secure inbox: [email protected]
Safeguarding referral route: Safeguarding in Gateshead
Emergency Duty Team: 0191 477 0844
Concerns about an educational Pprovider
For concerns about extremism within an education provider, including allegations involving staff, volunteers or external influences, use the reporting extremism form.
Support, advice and guidance from the Department for Education (DfE)
The Department for Education (DfE) plays a central role in helping schools safeguard pupils from radicalisation and extremism as part of their wider safeguarding responsibilities. The DfE provides a range of support, training and guidance to help you strengthen your safeguarding approach and feel assured that you have effective policies and procedures in place to protect individuals who may be susceptible to radicalisation.
Regional Prevent education co-ordinators
The DfE's Regional Prevent education co-ordinators support and improve Prevent delivery in each region of England. For further information about the role of your Regional Prevent education co-ordinator, including contact details and available support, visit the DfE guidance here.
Further support with the implementation of Prevent in education
Additional support, training and advice DfE offers includes:
Virtual training sessions designed by DfE for designated safeguarding leads to understand their responsibilities and the importance of the Prevent duty
Safeguarding learners susceptible to radicalisation guidance which is designed to help you consider indicators of risk and decide what response is appropriate and proportionate
The DfE's Educate Against Hate website which provides government‑approved guidance, training and practical resources to help schools, parents and carers safeguard young people from extremism and radicalisation.
