What is KCSIE 2026 and when does it take effect?

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) is the Department for Education’s statutory safeguarding guidance for schools, colleges and further education settings, including early years training providers. The 2026 version has been published in information-only form and will become statutory from 1 September 2026, giving employers and settings a window to review and update their safeguarding arrangements before it takes effect.

What are the key changes in KCSIE 2026?

While much of the guidance reinforces existing safeguarding practice, five areas stand out as needing particular attention ahead of September.

Greater emphasis on early identification: KCSIE 2026 reinforces the importance of recognising concerns early and acting before issues escalate. This includes maintaining effective communication between settings, training providers and safeguarding partners.

Mental health and wellbeing: Staff should stay alert to changes in a child’s behaviour, emotional wellbeing or attendance that may point to wider safeguarding concerns. Mental health should always be considered alongside other safeguarding indicators, not viewed in isolation.

Online safety, including AI and deepfakes :The guidance now reflects emerging risks such as artificial intelligence, deepfake images, online exploitation and harmful online content. Settings should continue educating staff and families about online safety and ensure concerns are reported promptly.

Multi-agency working: KCSIE 2026 places greater emphasis on effective information sharing and collaborative working between employers, schools, colleges, training providers and safeguarding agencies, so children get the right support at the right time.

Support for children questioning their gender: For the first time, KCSIE includes statutory guidance on supporting children who are questioning their gender. Decisions should always be made on an individual basis, with safeguarding and the child’s welfare as the primary consideration.

What does KCSIE 2026 mean for early years employers?

If you employ apprentices or young learners, KCSIE 2026 means you should:

• Review all safeguarding policies before September 2026
• Continue reporting safeguarding concerns promptly to your Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)
• Share relevant safeguarding information with Shoots Training where it may affect a learner’s wellbeing or safety
• Continue supporting apprentices to attend safeguarding, Prevent and Functional Skills sessions where required
• Keep safeguarding training up to date for all staff

How can employers and settings prepare before September 2026?

The most useful first steps are practical ones: book time to review your current safeguarding policy against the new guidance, confirm your DSL training is current, and open a conversation with your training provider about how information will be shared going forward. Preparing early avoids a last-minute scramble as the statutory deadline approaches.

Why does this matter for learners and apprentices?

Safeguarding is a shared responsibility between employers, parents, training providers and external agencies. Working together on early identification, wellbeing, online safety and multi-agency communication helps create safe, supportive learning environments where apprentices can thrive — which is the outcome every part of KCSIE 2026 is ultimately aiming for.

Who should I contact with questions?

If you have any questions about the updated guidance or your safeguarding arrangements, contact the Shoots Training Safeguarding Team.