The Department for Education (DfE) has published Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) for the 2026/27 academic year. The guidance comes into force on 1 September 2026.
All staff must now read part 1 of KCSIE in full
Previously, schools could decide whether to let staff who don't work directly with children read a condensed version (see page 7 under 'School and college staff').
Annex A (the condensed version of part 1 of KCSIE 2025) has been removed.
Other key changes
Enhanced guidance on supporting pupils who are questioning their gender – schools are expected to take a ‘very careful’ approach when responding to requests related to social transition (paragraphs 252 to 282) New safeguarding requirements for school premises and sports – schools must not allow children into toilets, changing rooms or showers designated for the opposite biological sex, and a new section