The Department for Education (DfE) has released the 2025 draft of the Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, which comes into effect on 1 September 2025. This statutory document is essential reading for all schools, colleges, and education providers in England.
While this year's update is described as containing only technical changes, there are several updates that schools, colleges and trusts need to be aware of; particularly in areas such as online harms, attendance, alternative provision, and the role of Virtual School Heads.
Online Safety: Expanded Definition of Harms
The DfE has expanded the list of online safeguarding harms to explicitly include misinformation, disinformation (including fake news), and conspiracy theories. This reflects the growing concern over the influence of digital content on pupil wellbeing. Schools are reminded it remains essential to protect children from harmful and inappropriate online material, both in and outside of school.
Clarified Expectations for Alternative Provision (AP)
KCSIE 2025 clarifies safeguarding responsibilities when a child is placed in AP. Schools must:
- Obtain written confirmation that safeguarding checks have been completed on AP staff
- Be informed of any staff changes that could affect pupil safety
- Keep accurate records of the child's location (address and any satellite sites)
- Review placements regularly to ensure the child is attending and the environment is safe
If concerns arise, the school must immediately review and, if necessary, terminate the placement.
Statutory Attendance Guidance Now Recognised
The 2024 Working Together to Improve School Attendance guidance is now statutory and explicitly recognised in KCSIE 2025. Key implications include:
- State schools must share daily attendance registers with the DfE
- Clearer expectations on managing admissions and unauthorised absences
- Integration of safeguarding and attendance policies is strongly encouraged
Role of Virtual School Heads Expanded
KCSIE now reflects that Virtual School Heads have a non-statutory responsibility to promote the educational achievement of all children in kinship care, not just those in the care of the local authority.
Filtering, Monitoring & AI Guidance Enhanced
New and updated DfE resources are now linked within KCSIE, including:
- Guidance on AI in education
- Updated tools for filtering and monitoring systems
- Cyber resilience support materials
All schools are expected to assess and regularly review their online safety arrangements, including new technology use in the classroom.
SEND Language Updated
Language has been updated to align with the SEND Code of Practice, removing terms such as 'spectrum' and 'disorder'.
RSHE and Gender Questioning Guidance – Coming Soon
While not yet published, KCSIE states that the DfE expects to release updated RSHE guidance and guidance on gender-questioning children during summer 2025.
If this is released in time, KCSIE will signpost to the new guidance in the September update. Schools should prepare to review and adapt curriculum and safeguarding responses accordingly.
What Hasn't Changed?
Most of the document remains consistent with KCSIE 2024. Key roles and responsibilities — particularly those for DSLs and governors — continue as previously outlined. However, KCSIE still urges schools to embed safeguarding into everyday practice and school culture, with strong, visible leadership and continuous training.
What Should Schools Do Now?
With the final version due in September, your next steps should be:
- Review your safeguarding and child protection policies – ensure they align with new technical clarifications
- Prepare for INSET and refresher training – update staff on the 2025 changes with either full or condensed briefings
- Inform your governing body – governors and trustees should be aware of these changes, especially to AP and attendance
- Audit your safeguarding processes – this is a perfect opportunity to review your practices and plug any gaps
Keystone Knowledge – Consultancy Support
At Keystone, we support schools and trusts with:
- Policy reviews and updates
- Safeguarding audits
- Governor briefings on KCSiE requirements
Whether you're a MAT leader, DSL, or school business manager, we're here to help you embed a confident, compliant safeguarding culture.