Safeguarding update: schools prepare for KCSIE 2026
We are aware that schools across England are preparing for the latest Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 guidance, which comes into force from 1 September 2026.
The updated statutory guidance reinforces the message that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and introduces several important changes for schools and their service partners — which we will be ensuring our returning employees are aware of as part of our refresher training.
Areas of focus include
• Ensuring all staff, including contractors and support services working on school premises, understand their safeguarding responsibilities.
• Increased emphasis on supporting children with mental health needs, young carers and vulnerable pupils.
• Updates to safer recruitment and DBS requirements, reinforcing the importance of robust vetting procedures for anyone working in educational environments.
• New guidance relating to children questioning their gender, with schools expected to take a case-by-case safeguarding approach while balancing parental involvement and pupil welfare.
• Greater consistency in safeguarding expectations, with all school staff now expected to read and understand the same core safeguarding guidance.
For Glen employees operating in schools, safeguarding awareness remains essential. Ensuring staff training is current, DBS checks are up to date, visitor procedures are followed and concerns are reported appropriately all contribute to creating safe learning environments for pupils and staff alike.
