Introduction
The final draft of KCSiE 2026 was published just before the school holidays, meaning lots of work for DSLs and senior leaders running into the summer holidays. It will come into effect on 1 September 2026, as is usual practice.
We’ve done what we can to make it a bit easier for our members (and everyone else) with guides, INSET Pack staff presentations, webinars, an Implementation Tool and our KCSiE Knowledge Check, all updated to be in line with the new guidance and ready to roll at the start of term. If you’re not already a member, join today for immediate access.
Download the Safeguarding Network draft KCSiE 2026 guide
The department’s final draft versions are intended to provide schools with details on the changes in advance of the implementation date. After two years of minimal changes, the KCSiE 2026 collates many factors that have already being shaping safeguarding practice for the last couple of years. It signals several priorities for schools, including:
embedding the use of Family Help terminology and local referral arrangements, thresholds and statutory interventions.
online harms, including AI-generated abuse.
the increased information that all staff in schools and colleges are now expected to know.
preventative safeguarding work, particularly around child-on-child abuse and harmful sexual behaviour.
the safeguarding and operational expectations in relation to children who are gender-questioning.
Our KCSiE 2026 support at a glance…
Everyone can download our guide to all the changes – 23 pages examining and explaining the update to the new guidance.
Our annual members’ staff training pack with Powerpoints, trainer notes, age-differentiated scenarios and a guide to the processes for staff to meet the new requirements in KCSiE 2026.
Free webinars going through the changes to KCSiE on 25th August and 2nd September.
More detailed webinars exploring the new children questioning gender guidance, implications for early years, affluent neglect and DBS checks – all free for members (with a small charge for non-members).
Our members’ Implementation Tool goes through the changes in KCSiE thematically and suggests actions settings might take. It serves as a template for an excellent report to SLT and governors on the implementation of the guidance.
Finally, our KCSiE Knowledge Check offers an evidence based model to check all staff have not only read but understood Keeping children safe in education. This costs only 99p + VAT for members, £10 + VAT for non-members. Staff members and governors are supported with detailed feedback, and DSLs have a report on the strengths and gaps in knowledge across their setting.
Safeguarding Network also offers a free advice line and huge amounts of support for our members. There’s a reason people stay with Safeguarding Network and we look forward to being here for you throughout the year.
Member KCSiE 2026 Resources and Webinars
Free KCSiE 2026 Safeguarding Update Webinars
The changes to KCSiE this year are the most significant for several years, including changes brought about by Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026 and the enactment of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act.
Holidays are really important, but we know that many of you do work through, so we are giving you a choice of webinar dates around what works for you. Choose from:
Free DBS Webinar
DBS Checks - what you need to know
DBS checks are a key component of the Safer Recruitment process and within the guidance there is a clarity around who, when, why those in job roles should have a check undertaken and at what level. However, there can also be a level of “urban mythology” around levels, sighting of checks and GDPR.
We are pleased to welcome Laura Gaskell (National Outreach Adviser) for DBS to host a webinar which will be useful for colleagues to :
clarify processes
hear about changes
reaffirm what we do, when and why
ask questions
All registrants will be able to view a recording of the session and receive a copy of the slides.
Date and time: 20th October, 12pm - 1.30pm
KCSiE Implementation Webinars (free for members)
More detailed webinars exploring the new children questioning gender guidance, implications for early years, and affluent neglect – all free for members (with a small charge for non-members).