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Keeping children safe in schools is a responsibility that grows more complex as regulations evolve. The upcoming changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) in 2026 will introduce new requirements and expectations for schools across England. Preparing for these changes now will help schools maintain compliance, protect students, and support staff effectively. This post outlines practical steps schools can take to get ready for KCSIE 2026 and ensure a smooth transit

Some safeguarding failures aren’t about new guidance – they’re about basics still going wrong. Common weak spots: ❌ Staff unsure how to record a concern ❌ DSL overloaded with no realistic cover ❌ Policies exist but aren’t understood ❌ Governors unclear on safeguarding duties ❌ Online safety policy outdated ❌ Training too theoretical Strong safeguarding is practical, not performative. Quick audits now prevent big issues later.

Governors: safeguarding is no longer ‘receive the report and nod’. Key points: 🧭 Stronger expectations on challenge and scrutiny 📊 Expectation that governors understand DSL capacity and training 🧩 More focus on culture and systems, not paperwork 🛡️ Accountability for safeguarding readiness Short, targeted safeguarding briefings for governors can massively improve confidence and compliance.

Most schools wait until September. The strongest schools prepare in summer. Key points: ✔️ Less pressure than September INSET chaos ✔️ Time to train governors, SLT, and staff separately ✔️ Chance to update policies before the new academic year ✔️ Space to run safeguarding scenario training ✔️ Easier to show Ofsted you are proactive, not reactive Summer safeguarding briefings are the easiest way to walk into September confident.

🧩 Before September, ask your leadership team these six safeguarding questions 👇 Questions: Do staff know exactly what to do if a child discloses harm? Could your DSL step away from teaching/admin if needed tomorrow? Do governors understand their safeguarding responsibilities, or just receive reports? Is your online safety policy updated for 2026 risks (AI, deepfakes, coercion)? Can you evidence safeguarding culture, not just compliance? Have staff had scenario-based safegua

KCSIE updates can feel abstract. Here’s what the 2026 draft means in day-to-day school life 👇 Translate changes into staff experience: 📌 Staff will be expected to spot concerns earlier 📌 DSLs will need stronger systems & realistic time allocation 📌 Governors will need to ask better safeguarding questions 📌 Schools will need evidence of staff confidence, not just sign-off sheets 📌 Online safety policies must reflect modern risks (AI, coercion, sextortion) This summer ter

The KCSIE 2026 draft is out – and there are some big shifts schools need to prepare for now, not in September. Key bullets to include (plain English): ✅ Stronger emphasis on safeguarding readiness Not just having policies – proving staff actually know what to do ✅ Earlier identification of vulnerable pupils More expectation around proactive monitoring, not reactive safeguarding ✅ Tighter expectations on DSL capacity & cover More clarity that DSLs must have time, training, and

Governors carry statutory safeguarding responsibilities — but many governing bodies report feeling under-prepared. Safeguarding training for governors should not simply repeat whole-school content. It must focus on strategic oversight and accountability. As a safeguarding consultant working with governing bodies, I see recurring themes. What Governors Need to Understand Effective governor safeguarding training should include: ● Their statutory duties under KCSIE ● Monitoring

In inspection readiness work, safeguarding evidence is increasingly focused on: ● Staff confidence in recognising signs of harm ● Clear referral pathways ● DSL capacity and supervision ● Attendance and exploitation links ● Governor challenge and oversight ● Consistency of safeguarding language across staff It is no longer enough for staff to “have completed training.” Inspectors are probing understanding. Common Gaps I See in Schools ● Staff unable to articulate local safegua