The statutory safeguarding guidance Keeping children safe in education has been updated ahead of September. Dawn Jotham takes us through this year’s update which includes some new recommendations and clarifications that schools need to be aware of


As many of you will know, the latest update to the Keeping children safe in education statutory safeguarding guidance now published by the Department for Education, outlining some new changes and requirements for schools as part of their safeguarding duties (DfE, 2023).

Though there was no consultation process this year and so changes were not as substantial as last year, there are some new recommendations and expectations that schools and colleges should be aware of before the guidance comes into force this September. I hope to help by outlining the key ones below.


Job applicants and online searches

Last year, a notable update to KCSIE was the recommendation that schools should consider doing online searches on shortlisted job candidates. The guidance stated that in addition to other checks, as part of the shortlisting process schools and colleges should consider carrying out an online search as part of their due diligence on the shortlisted candidates.

This was recommended to try and identify any incidents or issues that are publicly available online and which the school or college might want to explore with the applicant at interview.

For the update this year, the guidance now states on page 55* that “schools and colleges should inform shortlisted candidates that online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks”.

This new edition makes it a more transparent process for the applicant and the recruiter. Clarity was needed, as many felt there was a lack of detail on whether the searches should be undertaken, and a lot of schools were not sure what to do.

It is my opinion that more details are still needed on how schools should go about these searches, perhaps with additional guidance on what to search for, how to carry out a search, and what information should be collated.


Filtering and monitoring

Three notable changes come in the form of new instructions and recommendations regarding online filtering and monitoring software used by schools to help the management of safeguarding online.

Paragraph 103* on page 28 contains new text making it clear that the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) has responsibility for “understanding the filtering and monitoring systems and processes in place” as part of their remit.

Paragraph 124 on page 32 expressly notes that “an understanding of the expectations, applicable roles and responsibilities in relation to filtering and monitoring” should be included in safeguarding training. This training should be regularly updated and shared with staff.
Paragraph 138 on page 36 says that a school’s child protection policy should include how appropriate filtering and monitoring technology on school devices and school networks form part of its work in this area.
In March 2023, the Department for Education updated its guidance Filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges which is a useful reference (DfE, 2022).

Everyone working within schools understands the risks associated with the online world, but its normally the IT staff that assume responsibility for the filtering and monitoring within school.

The new standards, which are highlighted in KCSIE 2023, build on and reinforce the importance of filtering and monitoring as part of a more strategic approach for online safety, being led by the DSL.

I would encourage schools to use the standards to review their filtering and monitoring strategies to help better protect children and young people online. SWGfL, a charity dedicated to online safety, is one good source of information and resources to help you (see further information).


Allegations against agencies and individuals clarified

Many schools hire out parts of their premises to make best use of the facilities the school has for the community, so this new addition should be welcomed.

The guidance is found in paragraph 377 on page 91, which details how schools should handle any allegations made against an outside organisation or individual using school premises.

The guidance says this could relate to the school premises being used by community groups, sports associations or any service providers that run extra-curricular activities.

The statutory guidance states: “As with any safeguarding allegation, schools and colleges should follow their safeguarding policies and procedures, including informing the LADO (local authority designated officer).”

Another useful document to look at in relation to this is the code of practice for keeping children safe in out-of-school settings (DfE, 2020).


DBS documents: More confirmation

There has been a small change introduced to avoid confusion among schools in paragraph 276, which states: “Schools and colleges do not have to keep copies of DBS certificates in order to fulfil the duty of maintaining the Single Central Record.”

This is not new wording but the bolding of those three words is new and suggests that schools were unclear before whether this was required or not.

One thing to remember however is that copies of DBS certificates and records of criminal information disclosed by the candidate are covered by UK GDPR/Data Protection Act 2018 (Article 10).

I would recommend anyone who has Single Central Record responsibility to watch the webinar realised by the DfE. This is one of a series of four and hopefully there will be more to come (see further information).


New standards references

Some sections have been updated with links to new guidance that the DfE has published since the last KCSIE update to help schools in certain areas.

For example, paragraph 144 on page 38, which focuses on cyber-security standards, suggests schools should work to meet the cyber-security standards for schools and colleges (DfE, 2022).

Then on page 167 there is a new link to guidance on keeping children safe in out-of-school settings (DfE, 2022) that can help schools ensure that providers using their facilities adhere to necessary safeguarding requirements.


Other important changes

  • Terminology: The guidance now talks about “children absent from education” rather than “children missing education”. The guidance highlights that there is a robust response needed for those children that are persistently absent from education.
  • Law: The section on forced marriage (page 155) now includes information on the Marriage and Civil Partnership (minimum age) Act 2022 that came into force in February this year. This means that no child before their 18th birthday can be allowed to marry or enter civil partnerships.


My recommended checklist

  • Senior management: So, it’s another busy year for DSLs with more responsibility being added to the role. Ensure the job description clearly reflects these new additions. Be mindful that this role is ever-expanding so make sure they have enough time, training, and support to fulfil it. And consider implementing supervision for the DSL and any deputies.
  • Filtering & monitoring: Review, plan and implement the filtering and monitoring standards. Update safeguarding/child protection and link policies to reflect the filtering and monitoring standards. Add training to your current CPD schedule that includes filtering and monitoring. And keep governors and trustees updated.
  • Safer recruitment: Update your Safer Recruitment Policy to include shortlist checking.
  • Out-of-school setting: Make sure all hire contracts include the new information for any incidents regarding children.


Final thought

The full KCSIE document can be accessed online (DfE, 2023), with all changes and amendments listed in Annex F on page 177.

  • Dawn Jotham is safeguarding and pastoral care lead at Tes. Dawn has many years’ experience working in schools for student pastoral care and safeguarding. She now works with experts across the safeguarding arena on training and awareness in the UK and internationally. Visit www.tes.com/for-schools/safeguarding-training.

* Remember that occasionally changes are made in the interim period and so paragraph and page numbers can change.


Further information & resources