keeping children safe in education 2026: learning together before the new academic year
Every September brings fresh opportunities to support young people. It is also an important time to review the guidance that helps professionals keep children safe.
At asphaleia, safeguarding remains central to everything we do. Before the start of term, all staff were asked to read Part 1 and Annex A of the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance. This helps ensure that everyone understands their safeguarding responsibilities and remains up to date with national expectations.
As part of the Training Team's development day at the beginning of September, our safeguarding lead delivered a dedicated session on the 2026 updates. Colleagues explored the changes and considered how they apply to their work with young people. The discussion also provided an opportunity to refresh knowledge ahead of the new academic year.
what's new in KCSIE 2026?
The Department for Education has introduced several updates designed to strengthen safeguarding practice and provide greater clarity for education providers. The guidance has been updated to reflect developments in safeguarding practice and changes to multi-agency working. It also includes additional content linked to violence against women and girls.
One of the most significant changes is the removal of the condensed version of Part 1. The guidance now makes clear that all staff should read Part 1 in full. Annex A has also been revised and now contains further safeguarding information that staff should be familiar with.
The updated guidance also includes expanded content on mental health, further information about serious violence and additional support relating to young carers, and updates relating to gender questioning children. There is new guidance on safeguarding children with medical conditions, alongside further detail about barriers that children with SEND may face.
The document also clarifies that incidents involving the sharing of nudes or semi-nudes require a safeguarding response and updates expectations around Designated Safeguarding Lead cover arrangements.
turning guidance into action
During the development day session, colleagues explored the key themes within the updated guidance. They discussed how the changes relate to the young people we work with and considered what they mean in practice.
The conversation reinforced the importance of recognising emerging risks and responding appropriately when concerns arise. It also highlighted the value of keeping safeguarding knowledge current throughout the year rather than viewing training as a one-off event.
This learning forms part of a wider commitment to professional development across asphaleia. Staff complete mandatory safeguarding training and have regular opportunities to refresh their understanding of current guidance and organisational expectations.
Our safeguarding team plays an important role in supporting staff knowledge and reviewing policy. The team works closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure safeguarding remains a live conversation and an ongoing area of focus.
keeping safeguarding at the forefront
The updates within KCSIE 2026 are a reminder that safeguarding continues to evolve. New challenges emerge and guidance develops. Professionals must remain informed so they can respond effectively and provide the right support when it is needed.
By reviewing the latest statutory guidance before the academic year began, and by creating space for discussion during our Training Team development day, we have strengthened our collective understanding of current safeguarding expectations.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Staying informed is one of the most effective ways we can continue to support the young people who rely on us every day.
