Welcome

Children in residential care can be vulnerable to different forms of exploitation, including radicalisation. Staff do not need to be terrorism specialists, but they should recognise concerning patterns, avoid relying on stereotypes, record observations accurately and pass concerns on through the correct safeguarding channels. Prevent focuses on early support and risk management, not on criminalising identity or legitimate disagreement.

This course is aimed at residential child care workers, senior residential workers, waking night staff, team leaders, deputy managers, registered managers and other staff in children's homes and residential child care settings. It is a frontline awareness course and does not replace local safeguarding procedures, police investigation, specialist counter-extremism advice or legal advice.

This is a UK-wide awareness course. It treats radicalisation as a safeguarding concern and draws on GOV.UK Prevent guidance, Department for Education children's social care learning, and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 where relevant. Prevent duties, referral routes and supporting arrangements vary by nation and locality, so staff must follow local policy and procedures.

Why This Course Matters

• Radicalisation is a safeguarding issue: vulnerable children may be groomed or drawn in.
• Online pathways matter: harmful content and communities can change risk quickly.
• Stereotypes are unsafe: bias can obscure real concerns and damage trust.
• Early sharing matters: staff may spot low-level changes before others do.
• Manager support matters: some concerns are sensitive or ambiguous and need senior guidance.

A Simple Prevent Spine

• Notice concerning change or fixation.
• Think about vulnerability and safety.
• Record facts, not political theories.
• Share through the safeguarding route.
• Escalate when risk or violent intent feels more immediate.