On 18 December 2014, the Home Office published for consultation, draft guidance on the Prevent duty. This duty is part of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Bill, which will apply to a wide range of bodies supporting children and young people, including all local authorities, schools, sixth form colleges, registered childcare providers and providers of children’s social care. Education, childcare and children’s social care providers are already responsible for keeping children safe, including from the risks of extremism and radicalisation, and for promoting the welfare of children in their care. The Prevent duty will reinforce these existing duties by spreading understanding of the risks and current good practice across the country.

The government is keen that providers across the early years and childcare sector have the opportunity to engage with this draft guidance and to offer views direct to the Home Office as part of this consultation. The draft guidance and details of the consultation, which closes on 30th January, including how to respond are available at:  https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/prevent-duty