What schools need to know about KCSIE 2026
With the new academic year now underway, schools are reviewing a wide range of updated guidance, policies and safeguarding responsibilities. One of the most important documents for education settings is the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance, which came into force on 1 September 2026 and introduces a number of significant changes for schools to understand and act on.
In a new article for BESA, Al Kingsley MBE, CEO of NetSupport, highlights five key updates that schools should be aware of right now. These include the requirement for all staff to read Part one of KCSIE, tighter recruitment and checking rules for volunteers, the expectation that schools are phone-free environments by default, the inclusion of AI as a safeguarding consideration, and clearer duties around information sharing and safeguarding records.
The article provides a helpful overview for school leaders, safeguarding teams and staff as they prepare for the year ahead, offering practical insight into what has changed and why these updates matter. It also underlines the importance of reviewing policies, training, filtering and monitoring systems, and record-sharing processes to ensure schools are meeting their safeguarding responsibilities.
Discover the five KCSIE 2026 changes schools need to know about and gain practical insight to help your team review guidance, update policies and prepare with confidence for the year ahead.