Safeguarding | September 2026

The latest edition of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) came into force on 1 September 2026, introducing important updates to safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges across England.

Published by the Department for Education (DfE), KCSIE sets out the statutory safeguarding responsibilities of schools and colleges, including expectations around child protection, safer recruitment and the welfare of children.

Whether you’re a school leader, teacher, teaching assistant or supply educator, it’s important to understand what has changed and what it means for your responsibilities.

What’s changed in KCSIE 2026?

All staff must read Part One in full

One of the most significant changes for September 2026 is the removal of Annex A, the shortened version of Part One previously available to staff who did not work directly with children.

All school and college staff must now read Part One of KCSIE in full, regardless of whether they work directly with pupils.

The DfE has also introduced a shorter overview for quick reference, but this does not replace the requirement to read the full guidance.

For schools, this means ensuring staff have access to the latest version and understand their safeguarding responsibilities.

For supply educators, it means familiarising yourself with the current guidance and following the safeguarding policies and procedures of every school in which you work.

Updates to safer recruitment and regulated activity

KCSIE 2026 includes changes relating to safer recruitment and the definition of regulated activity with children.

In particular, changes to the supervision exemption may affect which volunteers require enhanced DBS checks with children’s barred list information.

Schools should review their recruitment and checking arrangements to ensure they reflect the updated requirements.

For education recruitment agencies, robust safer recruitment procedures and clear communication with schools remain essential.

A continued focus on recognising safeguarding concerns

The updated guidance includes further information relating to children’s mental health, young carers and other circumstances that may increase vulnerability.

Staff should remain alert to signs that a child may need additional help or protection, recognising that safeguarding concerns do not always present in obvious ways.

It’s important to remember that you don’t need to investigate a concern yourself. You do need to recognise it, record and report it appropriately, and follow the school’s safeguarding procedures without delay.

Online safety and emerging risks

Online safety remains an important part of safeguarding, with the 2026 guidance addressing developing risks associated with technology, including artificial intelligence.

Schools should ensure their safeguarding policies, online safety arrangements and staff awareness reflect the risks children may encounter both online and offline.

Educators should also be familiar with their school’s expectations around mobile devices, online communication and the appropriate use of technology.

What does KCSIE 2026 mean for supply teachers and teaching assistants?

Supply educators have an important safeguarding responsibility, even when working in a school for just one day.

Before starting an assignment, make sure you:

• Have read KCSIE 2026 Part One in full.
• Familiarise yourself with the school’s safeguarding and child protection policies.
• Know who the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and deputy DSL are.
• Understand how to report and record safeguarding concerns.
• Know the school’s procedures for behaviour, online safety and managing allegations or concerns about adults.
• Complete any required safeguarding induction or training.
• Remember, safeguarding procedures may differ between schools. Never assume that the arrangements at one school will be identical to another.

If you’re unsure about anything, ask before you begin working with pupils.

Read the official KCSIE 2026 guidance

This article provides an overview of some of the key changes and practical considerations. It is not a substitute for the statutory guidance.

We encourage all educators to read the full Department for Education guidance and familiarise themselves with the requirements relevant to their roles.

Read Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 – Department for Education

Read the KCSIE 2026 Part One overview for all staff