Take a closer look at the 2024 updates to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) and what your school or college needs to consider for effective child safeguarding.
You may recall that there was no public consultation for the changes in September 2024’s version of KCSiE.
Whilst this indicates that there weren’t huge new sections to note, it is still important to look at some of the more subtle changes and consider whether you are fully adhering to them in your setting.
An Overview of the KCSiE 2024 Updates
There are far more changes expected for KCSiE 2025 and a call for evidence (not the same as a consultation) closed in June 2024. With a new political party in government, we may also see further changes to guidance.
Indeed the early indications are that safeguarding concerns and trauma-informed approaches are likely to be supported rather than stricter “one-size fits all” behaviour policies, which for DSLs is something to celebrate.
To help you ensure that you are following best practices and consider whether your staff training has sufficiently covered everything they’ll need to know about Part 1 of this current key statutory guidance document, which is relevant for all staff, I’ve picked out many of the key changes below and posed questions to help you assess the effectiveness of implementation in your setting each time.
The Issue Raised in KCSIE | Questions For Your Setting |
The definition of safeguarding was widened to include “protecting children from maltreatment, whether that is within or outside the home, including online” |
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Explicit discussion that Early Help is a strategy to use for children missing education due to persistent absence and if a child has had “multiple suspensions, is at risk of being permanently excluded from schools, colleges and in AP or a PRU” |
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Discussion of harms includes abuse, neglect and exploitation |
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The impact on children of all forms of domestic abuse, including where they see, hear or experience its effects |
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Discussion of unexplainable and/or persistent absences from education |
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Schools continue to be responsible for the safeguarding of a child placed in Alternative Provision and check the placement meets needs |
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The attainment of children in Kinship Care |
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The definition of extremism has been updated to read “Extremism is the promotion or advancement of an ideology based on violence, hatred or intolerance, that aims to: 1. Negate or destroy the fundamental rights and freedoms of others; 2. Undermine, overturn or replace the UK’s system of liberal parliamentary democracy and democratic rights; or 3. Intentionally create a permissive environment for others to achieve the results in 1. or 2.” |
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DSLs must keep a record of the rationale of all decision making |
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Access More KCSiE and Safeguarding Support
If this short blog has got you thinking about the effectiveness of your safeguarding culture, why not contact us at safeguarding@servicesforeducation to discuss a Safeguarding Audit?
We also offer a Safeguarding Subscription that includes dozens of staff training webinars, which are designed to keep everyone informed throughout the academic year.
About the Author
Jo Perrin - Adviser, Services For Education
Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.
With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues. She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham and the NHS focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo’s has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine and an article for SEND magazine.
Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL qualification, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.
With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.