The Department for Education has published Keeping Children Safe in Education (“KCSIE”) 2026, following the consultation draft which was published in February 2026. Shannon Boyce previously discussed the initial proposed changes in her article dated 31 March 2026.
KCSIE 2026 came into force on 1 September 2026 and introduces significant changes that reflect the increasingly complex safeguarding risks facing children and young people in schools and colleges.
This year’s guidance delivers a clear message that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and schools and colleges must be prepared to respond to emerging risks, changing social dynamics and rapidly evolving technology.
A significant change is the removal of Annex A. Previously, Annex A provided a condensed summary of safeguarding information for staff who do not work directly with children. The removal of Annex A now means that all staff, regardless of their role, are expected to read Part One of KCSIE. The intention is to promote consistency and coordination of safeguarding responsibilities across schools and colleges.
In light of recent developments in technology and AI, KCSIE places a greater emphasis on artificial intelligence, including the creation of “deepfake” images and videos and technologies that are capable of manipulating images. The risks of this technology are specifically acknowledged by KCSIE, and the guidance recognises the potential harm arising from these tools.
The guidance also reinforces expectations regarding online safety and mobile phone use. Schools are expected to have clear policies addressing online safety risks and the use of mobile phone devices within the school environment.
A notable development in KCSIE 2026 is the increased focus on violence against women and girls, along with an emphasis on misogyny and harmful behaviour. All staff in schools and colleges should understand the importance of challenging inappropriate behaviour and be aware that child-on-child abuse is a safeguarding concern for both the victim and alleged perpetrator. The updated guidance reflects a growing understanding that failure to approach sexual violence and harassment can lead to a culture of unacceptable behaviour, misogyny and an unsafe environment. KCSIE provides advice for assessing and tackling harmful sexual behaviour.
Schools and colleges play an important role in supporting the mental health of children and young people. KCSIE acknowledges that all staff should be aware that mental health problems can develop into safeguarding concerns and while schools are not expected to act as healthcare providers, they are expected to identify these concerns and make appropriate referrals to appropriately trained professionals. The guidance now references safeguarding concerns such as self-harm, suicide ideation and eating disorders and provides schools and colleges with government guidance and resources for identifying and responding to concerns of mental health.
Among the widely discussed additions to KCSIE 2026 is the introduction of guidance on how schools and colleges should respond when a child is questioning their gender. This guidance should be used when a child or their parent has specifically requested it. KCSIE also sets out legal obligations in respect of single-sex spaces such as toilets and changing rooms. Schools and colleges are expected to comply with obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and Human Rights Act 1998, and they should approach these matters through the lens of safeguarding, welfare and individual risk assessment.
Changes to the recruitment and selection process have been made for schools and colleges to adopt robust recruitment procedures. KCSIE has made these changes in line with the Crime and Policing Act 2026 (“CPA 2026”) which removes the supervision exemption from guidance and regulated activity. Schools and colleges should be aware that the clarification on DBS checks for contractors and volunteers has been made to reflect the changes made in the CPA 2026.
KCSIE guidance also provides further clarification in respect of concerns and allegations made against adults working within schools and colleges. The guidance distinguishes between allegations which may meet the harm threshold and allegations which do not meet the harm threshold. Schools and colleges are expected to have necessary and appropriate procedures in place for responding to both categories of concerns and allegations and involve external agencies where required.
While many of the core safeguarding principles remain unchanged, KCSIE 2026 reflects the evolving challenges faced by schools and colleges. The guidance places greater emphasis on technology, mental health, safeguarding accountability and safer recruitment.
Schools and colleges are expected to review their policies and procedures and ensure that all staff understand their responsibilities under the revised guidance. By doing so, they will be better equipped to identify and respond to the risks facing children and young people.
Shannon Boyce - Graduate Solicitor Apprentice
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