September 2026
The Department for Education (DfE) has updated its Prevent guidance for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs). The updated Prevent Duty: Practical Guidance for Designated Safeguarding Leads was published on 24 September 2026 and provides important reminders about recognising, recording and responding to concerns about radicalisation.
For Early Years DSLs, this is a useful opportunity to revisit your Prevent knowledge, procedures and staff understanding.
Key reminders for DSLs
Training should be kept up to date
DSLs are advised to undertake updated Prevent training at least every two years. Check when your Prevent training was last completed and whether your knowledge reflects the latest guidance and local referral arrangements.
There is no single profile of radicalisation
The guidance emphasises that there is no single profile of someone susceptible to radicalisation and no single indicator that demonstrates radicalisation.
DSLs should consider the child’s individual circumstances, context, patterns of behaviour and changes over time. Professional curiosity and judgement remain important.
Record concerns and decisions carefully
Safeguarding concerns should be accurately recorded, including what has been observed or reported, the actions taken, decisions made and the rationale behind those decisions.
Good safeguarding records demonstrate how professional judgement has been applied.
Don’t wait for ‘proof’
A Prevent concern does not need to be proven before advice or support is sought. DSLs should follow their safeguarding procedures and seek appropriate advice where concerns arise.
A Prevent referral should not be delayed while attempting to gather evidence independently.
Know your local arrangements
DSLs should know:
- how to make a Prevent referral in their local area
- who to contact for Prevent advice
- how Prevent fits within their existing safeguarding procedures
- what support is available through local safeguarding partners.
A timely safeguarding check
The updated guidance provides an ideal opportunity for DSLs to ask:
Is my Prevent training current?
Do staff know how to report a concern?
Are Prevent arrangements embedded within our safeguarding policy?
Do we know our local referral route?
Are concerns, decisions and rationales being recorded effectively?
Have we reviewed our Prevent risk assessment?
Prevent should be viewed as part of the wider safeguarding system, rather than as a separate process.
Read the updated guidance
DSLs are encouraged to read the DfE’s updated Prevent Duty: Practical Guidance for Designated Safeguarding Leads and ensure that relevant procedures and staff knowledge are up to date.
DfE – Prevent Duty: Practical Guidance for Designated Safeguarding Leads
For Early Years leaders, staying informed, recording concerns accurately and knowing when and where to seek advice are essential elements of effective safeguarding practice.