Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 published: What schools need to know

The Department for Education has today published the final version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026, which comes into force on 1 September 2026.

Annex C provides a helpful summary of the changes from the 2025 guidance. Whilst many of the amendments refine and clarify existing expectations rather than introducing entirely new statutory duties, every school and college should take time over the coming weeks to understand the changes and consider whether any updates to policies, procedures, training or practice are required.

What should schools do now?

The summer term provides an important opportunity to prepare for implementation before the new guidance becomes statutory.

Schools should consider:

• Reviewing the changes outlined in Annex C.
• Identifying any amendments required to safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Planning staff safeguarding updates and September INSET.
• Ensuring governors and trustees are aware of the key changes and their implications.
• Reviewing any local procedures that may need updating before 1 September.

ISS Members – we've got this covered

One of the benefits of ISS Membership is that you don't have to work through every change in the guidance on your own.

Over the coming weeks we will be supporting members with a comprehensive implementation package, including:

• Updating our automated safeguarding policies so they are aligned with KCSIE 2026 and review by HCR Law for legal approval.
• Draft policy templates being added to member dashboards over the coming days, allowing schools to begin planning ahead before the final versions are released.
• Practical guidance explaining what the changes mean in day-to-day practice.
• KCSIE 2026 update training, taking you through the changes in plain English and explaining exactly what action is required before September.
• Ongoing advice and support from the ISS team if you are unsure how any aspect of the guidance applies to your setting.

Our aim is simple: to save DSLs, senior leaders and governors valuable time by translating statutory guidance into practical actions.

Looking ahead to September

Although there are several important updates within this year's guidance, schools do not need to panic.

A planned and proportionate review over the summer, combined with appropriate staff training before the start of the autumn term, will ensure settings are well prepared for the new requirements.

As always, ISS will continue to support members throughout the implementation period, ensuring that policies, training and resources remain fully aligned with the latest statutory guidance before KCSIE 2026 comes into force on 1 September 2026.

If you're already an ISS member, look out for further updates on your member dashboard over the coming days.

If you're not yet a member and would like expert support with implementing KCSIE 2026, we'd be delighted to help.

See here for the updated guidance.