Version: 5.1
Owner: Quality
Date: Feb 2026
SMT/Creation date / Approval Date: February 2023
Last Review Date: February 2026
Annual Review Date: February 2027
Owner(s): SLT/Prevent Lead
Document/catalogue Reference: PP/03
Supporting the Prevention of Extremism and Radicalisation
Scope: Learners (including apprentices), Employers, Staff and Visitors
Owner: Senior Leadership Team / Prevent Lead
Status: Safeguarding Policy
1. Policy Statement
Connexin Academy is committed to safeguarding learners, staff and others from the risks of radicalisation and extremism. We recognise that individuals may be vulnerable to extremist influences for a range of reasons and that early identification and supportive intervention are essential in preventing harm.
This policy sets out how Connexin Academy meets its responsibilities under the Prevent Duty, as part of its wider safeguarding obligations. Our approach is proportionate, supportive and centred on protecting individuals, promoting inclusion and building resilience.
2. Legal and Regulatory Framework
This policy has regard to the following legislation and guidance:
- Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 (Section 26 – Prevent Duty)
- Prevent Duty Guidance for England and Wales (most recent version)
- Working Together to Safeguard Children
- Keeping Children Safe in Education (where applicable)
- Ofsted Education Inspection Framework (EIF)
- Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR
3. Scope and Responsibilities
This policy applies to:
- All Connexin Academy learners and apprentices
- All staff, associates and contractors
- Employers engaged in apprenticeship or training delivery
- Visitors, guest speakers, partners and suppliers
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Any concern relating to radicalisation or extremism must be reported immediately through the safeguarding process.
4. Definitions
Radicalisation is the process by which a person comes to support terrorism or extremist ideologies.
Extremism is the vocal or active opposition to fundamental British Values, including democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of different faiths and beliefs.
Prevent is one strand of the Government’s counter-terrorism strategy and focuses on preventing people from being drawn into terrorism through early support and intervention.
5. Promoting the Prevent Duty
Connexin Academy promotes awareness of the Prevent duty by:
- Providing Prevent training for all staff at induction, with regular refresher training thereafter
- Ensuring staff understand indicators of vulnerability and how to report concerns
- Embedding British Values and safeguarding themes within teaching, learning and reviews
- Displaying appropriate safeguarding and Prevent information across learning environments
- Making this policy accessible to learners, employers and staff via the website
6. Recognising Vulnerability
There is no single profile of a person at risk of radicalisation. Vulnerability may arise from a combination of factors including, but not limited to:
- Identity or personal crises
- Social isolation or exclusion
- Experiences of discrimination or grievance
- Mental health concerns
- Exposure to extremist content online
- Significant changes in behaviour, appearance or views
These indicators do not mean that an individual is involved in extremism but may indicate a need for additional support.
7. Reporting Concerns (Safeguarding First)
Connexin Academy adopts a safeguarding-first approach to Prevent.
All staff must:
- Record concerns factually and accurately
- Report concerns immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead / Prevent Lead
- Maintain confidentiality and share information on a need-to-know basis only
Concerns are not automatically referred to Prevent or Channel. Each concern will be assessed internally as a safeguarding matter and appropriate support will be identified.
8. Assessment and Referral Process
The Designated Safeguarding / Prevent Lead will:
- Assess the concern using safeguarding thresholds
- Seek advice from safeguarding partners where appropriate
- Decide whether the concern can be managed through internal support
- Consider referral to external agencies only where necessary and proportionate
A Channel referral will only be made where there is a genuine risk of radicalisation and where early multi-agency support is required.
9. Working with External Agencies
Where appropriate, Connexin Academy will work with:
- Local authority safeguarding teams
- Prevent / Channel partners
- Education safeguarding networks
- Employers and community partners
Information sharing will be lawful, proportionate and in line with data protection legislation.
10. Supporting Learners and Building Resilience
Connexin Academy seeks to prevent radicalisation by:
- Promoting British Values and respectful debate
- Encouraging critical thinking and digital literacy
- Creating inclusive learning environments
- Challenging extremist narratives appropriately
- Supporting learners to raise concerns safely
11. Training
All staff receive Prevent training as part of induction
Refresher training is provided regularly and when guidance changes
Training records are maintained by the Quality Team
12. Monitoring and Review
This policy is reviewed annually by the Quality Team and Senior Leadership Team to ensure effectiveness, legal compliance and alignment with current guidance.
Prevent concerns and themes contribute to safeguarding oversight and continuous improvement activity.