Key Changes in KCSIE 2025: What Schools In The UK Need to Know

The Department for Education has published the 2025 update to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), which came into effect on 1 September 2025. While some of the amendments are technical clarifications, there are several important substantive changes that schools, trusts, and safeguarding professionals must be aware of.

Major Substantive Changes

• Online safety risks expanded

  
  

  The "content" risk category now explicitly includes misinformation, disinformation (including fake news) and conspiracy theories. New references highlight guidance on Generative AI: Product Safety Expectations to help schools factor in AI when considering filtering, monitoring, and online safety.

• Alternative Provision (AP)

  
  

  Schools must obtain written confirmation that safer recruitment checks have been completed by AP providers. Schools should know where pupils are during school hours and must review placements at least half-termly, focusing on attendance, safety, and whether the provision is meeting the child’s needs.

• Statutory attendance guidance

  
  

  Working Together to Improve School Attendance is now statutory. Schools, trusts, governing bodies, and local authorities must have regard to it, with a stronger emphasis on liaising with children’s services where attendance concerns indicate safeguarding risks.

• Virtual School Heads (VSH)

  
  

  The remit of VSHs has been extended (on a non-statutory basis) to promoting the educational achievement of children in kinship care, in addition to children in local authority care.

• Inclusive terminology

  
  

  The language has been updated in line with the SEND Code of Practice, with “Autism Spectrum Disorder” now generally referred to as “Autism.”

• New resources signposted

  
  

  KCSIE 2025 highlights new resources, including the Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s Shore Space, a support service for young people with concerns about sexual thoughts or behaviours. Additional links cover digital safeguarding, filtering standards, and planning technology use in schools.

• RSHE and gender questioning guidance

  
  

  Updated Relationships, Sex, and Health Education (RSHE) guidance will take effect by September 2026, and schools are directed to the DfE hub for updates. Guidance for supporting gender questioning children is also expected, with interim reliance on Equality and Human Rights Commission guidance.

Technical and Clarifying Updates

In addition to these substantive changes, the 2025 update includes:

• Refreshed links and updated references to external resources.

• Clearer requirements for safer recruitment in alternative provision.

• Revised wording to distinguish between children “absent from education” and those “missing from education,” with implications for safeguarding considerations.

What This Means for Schools

Schools should review and update their safeguarding policies to reflect these changes, with particular attention to:

• Strengthening online safety measures, especially around AI and misinformation.

• Ensuring robust monitoring and review of alternative provision placements.

• Aligning attendance procedures with the new statutory guidance.

• Updating terminology and references in SEND and safeguarding documentation.

• Familiarising staff with new resources and forthcoming RSHE and gender-related guidance.

Keeping on top of KCSIE updates is vital for ensuring compliance and, most importantly, protecting children. Schools should incorporate these changes into training, safeguarding policies, and day-to-day practice.