Updated 12 February 2026
The consultation on Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 is open until 22nd April and there are a whole array of changes and clarifications to the guidance. Core safeguarding processes remain the same, but there’s a stronger emphasis on community based early help (distinguished now from the more targeted Family Help), lots of clarifications to definitions to improve focus and practice and stronger interlinkage with modern slavery when young people are exploited.
It is proposed KCSiE also incorporates the guidance for working with children who are questioning their gender, and Baroness Casey comments she thinks this provides a robust underpinning of the safety required for all children.
There’s clarification that DSLs need skills and experience as well as status and authority (!) and work to improve early notice to prospective schools of potential issues when children are moving between schools.
KCSiE Consultation February 2026: Your guide to the changes
Safeguarding Network have pulled together a full guide to the changes.
Please fill in the form below to sign-up to our free fortnightly email Bulletin which is sent to over 15,000 safeguarding professionals to receive a copy via email.
Please wait a few minutes for delivery.
Sign up for our free safeguarding Bulletin
Free KCSiE 2026 Consultation Webinars
We’re also running webinars to talk with other DSLs about their perspectives on the planned changes
There are 3 dates to choose from:
Friday 27 February @ 12.15 - 13:15. Click to reserve your space
Monday 9 March @ 16.30 - 17.30. Click to reserve your space
Monday 23 March @ 16.30 - 17.30. Click to reserve your space
Our member resources are perfect for such a large array of changes. Members can expect bitesize staff training, our KCSiE knowledge check to ensure the learning has embedded, an action plan to complete and the opportunity to pick up the phone and talk things through with our supervisors or consultant team. Read on for more information.
Not a member?
Join Safeguarding Network today for immediate access to the comprehensive array of resources to support you, your setting and your children and young people.
- Our 2-year KCSiE staff safeguarding curriculum containing 20 monthly DSL Resource and Training Packs.
- Whole school safeguarding training pack - up to date and ready to deliver.
- Discounted KCSiE online Knowledge Check for all staff.
- Discounted CPD training courses and eLearning modules.
- Free webinars and expert advice on safeguarding issues.
- Free initial safeguarding advice and support.
- Free membership of the Association of Child Protection Professionals (worth £330).
- Free use of SWGfL's Whisper anonymous reporting tool.
We offer a variety of membership plans, packages and reviews to help you best meet the needs and budget of your setting.