Improved school Prevent training
The Department for Education should ensure that (i) its own policy guidance for teachers and schools (outside the Statutory Guidance for which the Home Office is responsible) is strengthened; and (ii) schools put in place improved Prevent training (including refresher training). This must ensure that staff are not just aware of when to make a Prevent referral but are also aware of (i) what happens once a Prevent referral is made; and (ii) the importance of ongoing dialogue, feedback and assessment between the referrer and the Prevent officer.
- The government response states the Department for Education expects to complete implementation by mid-2026, will make substantial updates to the guidance Prevent Duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation, will update designated safeguarding lead Prevent training by September, and will introduce a new Prevent training package for those leading or working with SEND learners (Government Response to Phase 1 of the Southport Inquiry, CP 1623, Home Office, July 2026).
How was this evidence gathered?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Department for Education (DfE) is the lead department and expects to complete the implementation of this recommendation by mid-2026. Progress and next steps:
- DfE will make substantial updates to the guidance Prevent Duty: safeguarding learners vulnerable to radicalisation. It will also consider whether amends are needed on guidance around Prevent in future iterations of Keeping Children Safe in Education.
- DfE will update designated safeguarding lead Prevent training by September.
- DfE will introduce a new Prevent training package for those leading or working with SEND learners.
Progress Timeline
Government response published 2 July 2026 (CP 1623). The government accepted this recommendation; the lead department reports implementation is in progress.
Awaiting government response. Phase 1 report published 13 April 2026.