On 7th July 2026, the Department for Education published the "for information" version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026.
For many school leaders and safeguarding professionals, the publication of KCSIE is a familiar annual milestone. With the end of term fast approaching and summer holidays on the horizon, it can be tempting to put it on the reading pile for September
My advice would be not to wait.
While the 2026 version doesn't introduce the same level of change we've seen in some previous years, it does contain a number of updates and clarifications that schools will want to understand before the start of the new academic year.
As an HR Consultant, I know how quickly September arrives. What feels like a distant consideration in July can suddenly become an urgent task once pupils return, recruitment is underway and safeguarding training is being scheduled. That's why the summer term can be the ideal time to take stock, identify any changes that may affect your setting and start planning ahead.
A year of refinement rather than revolution
Much of KCSIE 2026 builds on themes that schools are already familiar with. However, there are several updates that will be particularly relevant for those responsible for safer recruitment and managing the school workforce.
The guidance provides greater clarity around DBS checks for visitors, reinforcing the principle that checks should be proportionate to the activity being carried out, rather than applied as a blanket requirement. This is a helpful reminder that schools should always take a risk-based approach, considering the nature of the visitor's role and the level of contact they are expected to have with children.
Schools will also want to note the changes relating to self-employed contractors. Since January 2026, contractors have been able to obtain their own DBS checks through a registered umbrella body. As a result, schools may now either obtain the appropriate check themselves or verify a suitable check already held by the contractor, providing greater flexibility when engaging external individuals.
In addition, the guidance has now been finalised to reflect the removal of the supervision exemption for volunteers from 1 September 2026. This means more volunteers are likely to fall within the definition of regulated activity and require an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List information. This important change is explored in more detail in a separate article in this edition of Stay Connected.
Whilst most schools are unlikely to need to make significant changes to their safer recruitment arrangements, these updates do provide a useful opportunity to sense-check existing recruitment, vetting and safeguarding practices processes and ensure they remain aligned with current guidance.
What should schools be doing now?
Rather than waiting until September, this is a good opportunity to step back and review whether your safeguarding arrangements remain aligned with the latest guidance.
There is no need to rewrite everything over the summer, but there is value in considering whether your existing processes, policies and practices will still meet requirements when the new academic year begins.
My recommendations before September
If you're planning ahead for the new academic year, I would suggest focusing on five key areas:
1. Read the updated guidance
This may sound obvious, but take the opportunity to review the changes now rather than waiting until September. Paying particular attention to the summary of substantive changes can help identify areas requiring further consideration.
2. Review safeguarding policies and procedures
Consider whether any of your School policies, procedures or guidance documents will require updating to reflect the new version of KCSIE.
At HR Connect, we'll be reviewing our model policies and procedures over the summer to ensure they remain compliant with the updated guidance, helping schools head into September with confidence.
3. Check your arrangements for volunteers, visitors and contractors
Recent changes in these areas mean it is worth reviewing how individuals are engaged within your setting and whether current checking arrangements remain appropriate.
4. Plan your safeguarding training
Ensure designated safeguarding leads, governors and staff responsible for recruitment and safeguarding are aware of the changes and understand any implications for their roles.
5. Identify any areas requiring deeper consideration
Some aspects of the new guidance, including sections relating to gender-questioning children and recent legislative changes, may require schools to take additional advice or spend time considering their local approach.
Looking ahead
KCSIE is ultimately about far more than compliance. It provides the framework that helps schools create and maintain safe environments for children and young people.
While the publication of the guidance may signal the start of the summer holiday countdown, it also provides a useful opportunity to pause, reflect and prepare.
Taking a little time now to understand the changes and consider any implications for your setting could make the start of the autumn term considerably smoother.
We'll be taking a closer look at some of the key changes in September's edition of Stay Connected, but for now I would encourage Schools to take some time to familiarise themselves with the updated guidance and identify any areas that may require action locally. Taking stock now could make all the difference to ensuring a smooth and confident start to the new academic year.
Read more on the government website >>
Sarah Wyllie
Senior HR Consultant / Lead Safer Recruitment Trainer
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