Background
On 7th July 2025, the Department for Education published a draft version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025. This version has been released for information and consultation purposes and is not yet statutory. The final version is expected later this summer and will come into force on 1st September 2025. Schools and colleges are encouraged to review the proposed changes and begin preparing for implementation ahead of the new academic year.
Key Changes for Schools and Colleges
Online Safety
The definition of online safety has been broadened to include misinformation, disinformation (including fake news), and conspiracy theories. The draft also makes specific reference to the risks posed by generative AI. Schools should ensure that these developments are reflected in both staff training and safeguarding policies.
Technology and Filtering
The guidance now references the Department’s ‘Plan technology for your school’ self-assessment tool, which is designed to help schools evaluate and improve the effectiveness of their filtering and monitoring arrangements. Cybersecurity is also now explicitly identified as an essential component of safeguarding infrastructure. Additionally, schools are signposted to new government guidance on the use of generative AI in educational settings.
Alternative Provision Oversight
Schools continue to be responsible for the safety of pupils placed in alternative provision. The draft strengthens this duty by requiring written confirmation that safeguarding checks have been completed on AP staff. Schools must also be notified of any staff changes and are expected to maintain regular oversight of each pupil’s placement and wellbeing.
Statutory Attendance Guidance
The previously non-statutory guidance, Working Together to Improve School Attendance, has now been given statutory status. Schools must ensure their attendance policies and procedures are compliant and that relevant staff understand their legal obligations.
Virtual School Heads and Kinship Care
Virtual School Heads now have a statutory duty to promote the educational achievement of children in kinship care, in addition to looked-after children. Schools should identify children in kinship care and work collaboratively with Virtual School Heads to provide appropriate support.
Terminology Update: Autism
All references to “autism spectrum disorder” have been updated to “autism,” in line with the latest SEND Code of Practice. Schools may wish to reflect this change in internal policies and communications.
Forthcoming Guidance on RSHE and Gender Questioning Children
The draft anticipates the publication of revised statutory guidance on relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) and on gender questioning children. The final version of KCSIE 2025 will include references to both. Schools should prepare to review relevant policies once these documents are released later this year.
Next Steps for Schools
KCSIE 2024 remains in force until 1st September 2025, but schools are encouraged to begin reviewing policies, safeguarding procedures and training requirements now.
Keeping children safe in education 2025 (for information, July version)
