Prevent Duty Advice for Early Years Settings

Prevent Duty laws and guidance were first introduced in 2015 – how does this work in practice in an Early Years setting? The EYFS (section 3) clearly states that early years providers must keep children healthy, safe and secure but how do we detect and protect in relation to Prevent Duty?

Part of daily routines in nursery will already have imbedded British Values, supporting and scaffolding respect and acceptable behaviours. It’s important that staff understand these links in order to help children to build resilience to radicalisation in later life. Ofsted inspectors will also make a judgement on how your early years setting actively promotes British Values.

The fundamental British values are:

• Democracy
• Rule of law
• Individual liberty
• Mutual respect and tolerance for those with different faiths

In early years we develop positive values through personal, social and emotional development strategies in our settings. Our teachings include talking about different cultures and beliefs, considering diverse celebrations and traditions across the world, exploring diversity and being inclusive.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) describes universal children’s rights which embody, so called ‘British’ values. It’s not just about Britain and our traditions, it’s about decency and the core values for a good and moral society.

We teach children to be kind and respectful, to have respect for themselves and to understand that we are all unique, special in our own ways, that we are all individuals with differences and similarities and that it is our differences that make us who we are. Respect and positivity towards each other help our children to build confidence, self-esteem and security, ensuring they feel valued and listened to and that they have a voice. Boundary setting and rules establish knowledge and understanding so when a child comes across something that goes against these principles, they are secure and able to express it. There are many ways we can do this.

In nursery settings children should –

• value each other’s opinions and also know that their own views are equally valid.
• take turns, sharing and playing together enables children to develop the value of democracy.
• understand the difference between right and wrong.
• understand actions and consequences for both themselves and others.
• develop personal boundaries.
• develop a good sense of self and who they are to develop self-worth and positive self-esteem.
• develop respect for their own and other cultures.

We may see evidence of it in staff, parents and children.

Some potential indicators of radicalisation in young children include:

• Long periods of unexplained absence.
• Acting out of character e.g. verbally or physically aggressive, withdrawing from relationships with peers or adults in the setting that had previously been close.
• Aggressive and/or violent small world or role play games, such as acting out cutting another child’s throat.
• Changes in the way a parent/carer related to the child and in the way the child related to them e.g. parent being very controlling, negative, child nervous and withdrawn.
• Using negative derogatory names for children linked to their skin colour or racial group.
• Drawings or mark making showing extremist symbols.

Listen carefully to role play conversations and observe imaginative play. Are children acting out anything which may be a cause for concern?

Be alert to what is going on in your community - conversations you may overhear from children or families regarding anyone in the local community

Take note if a child or family tells you they are going on an extended holiday

Being able to spot the signs of radicalisation in children and the adults around them is vital, as is responding to concerns and making the relevant referrals. Practitioners should be aware and challenge behaviours and stereotypes and undertake regular CPD and training. Managers should know how to react when issues arise. Strong leadership and a good safeguarding culture should enable the right action to be taken.