🔥 “KCSIE 2026 Draft – 7 Changes Schools Can’t Ignore”

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 proper deputy cover

• ✅ Increased focus on peer-on-peer abuse Particularly harmful sexual behaviour and online harm

• ✅ Online safety updates (AI, deepfakes, sextortion) Schools expected to keep pace with fast-moving risks

• ✅ Clearer expectations for governors Not just oversight – active safeguarding challenge and scrutiny

• ✅ More emphasis on safeguarding culture, not compliance Ofsted-style readiness: “Would your staff act correctly tomorrow?”

  
  

If you’d like a quick safeguarding readiness check for your school or trust ahead of September, I offer short, practical discovery calls: https://calendly.com/eastdulwichtutors/consultation-call