Another September, another update to Keeping Children Safe in Education, the statutory guidance that sets out safeguarding responsibilities for schools.
This new version came into effect from 1 September 2025. While the changes are largely technical, they may still have practical implications for your safeguarding policy, recruitment checks, and staff training. Here are the key takeaways to help you stay compliant and confident for the year ahead.
Read our full summary here.
There are additional RSHE areas to cover
KCSIE 2025 has been updated to reflect the new relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) guidance, which will come into force in September 2026. It sets out additional areas that RSHE programmes should tackle, including kindness in relationships and reporting concerns about abusive relationships.
See our article for more information on what you're expected to cover and what you need to share with parents and carers.
Online safety guidance is broader than before
KCSIE sets out 4 areas of online risk: content, contact, conduct and commerce. This year, the ‘content’ category has been updated to explicitly include misinformation, disinformation and conspiracy theories.
KCSIE 2025 now also includes links to more DfE resources on filtering and monitoring, and using generative AI.
Use our toolkit to make sure filtering and monitoring in your school is effective, and our article to help you use AI safely and responsibly.
Alternative provision (AP) checks are strengthened
KCSIE 2025 now reflects existing guidance around AP, stating that schools need written assurances from providers about safeguarding checks, accurate records of placements, and regular reviews to make sure each placement is safe and suitable.
Our alternative provision guide shows you how to choose suitable providers and build strong partnerships.
A reminder that the DfE’s attendance guidance is statutory
Schools are required to work with local authority children’s services where absence signals a safeguarding concern.
Our model attendance policy and parent letters will help you set clear expectations and stay compliant.
Safer recruitment checks are on new systems
The requirement to carry out background checks when recruiting hasn’t changed, but some of the systems you use have. The old TRA portals have been replaced, so make sure you’re using the new services to stay compliant.
Inclusive language
The guidance now refers to “autism” instead of “autism spectrum disorder”, bringing it in line with the SEND Code of Practice.
With inclusion now a key focus of Ofsted’s new framework, this change is a reminder that inclusion is about more than just language — it’s about making sure every pupil feels supported. In our podcast on improving SEND provision, Frances Akinde, author, SEND expert and co-founder of the BAMEd SEND hub, shares practical advice for leaders on supporting SENCOs, ensuring consistent provision and keeping inclusion central even when resources are stretched.
Watch or listen to the episode here
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