KCSiE 2022: What Are the Changes?

The new version of Keeping Children Safe in Education comes into effect on 1st September 2022. Here is a breakdown of the key changes and how schools and colleges should respond

What's New for '22

Very little has changed significantly in the new version of the guidance. Definitions have been clarified and any ambiguous terms have been removed. New links have been added and some content has been moved within the document.

Changes in Part 1

  • New paragraph setting out that children may not feel ready or know how to tell someone they are being abused; and
  • New paragraph added on Domestic Abuse.

Changes in Part 2

  • New paragraph explaining how safeguarding and child protection training will help governors and trustees;
  • Added a paragraph to reinforce the importance of schools and colleges speaking with parents and carers about children’s access to online sites when away from school or college;
  • Provided clarity on the role of governors and proprietors when considering filters and monitoring and ensuring the effectiveness is regularly reviewed; and
  • Extended the information about schools can colleges ensuring children who may be LGBT have a trusted adult who they can be open with.

Changes in Part 3

Added a reminder that DBS for checks on volunteers are free.

Changes in Part 4

Added information to provide clarity on the process for sharing low-level concerns.

Changes in Part 5

  • Added bullet point and link to London Grid for Learning ‘Undressed’ guidance;
  • Added paragraph to highlight the importance of ensuring children understand the law on child on child abuse is there to protect them rather than criminalise them; and
  • Paragraph added to emphasise the need for schools and colleges as relevant agencies should be part of discussion with statutory safeguarding partners.

Actions for Schools

Although there are few changes, all staff should be aware of the new guidance and how it will affect them.

It is essential that everybody working in a school or college understands their safeguarding responsibilities. Governing bodies and proprietors should ensure that those staff who work directly with children read at least Part one of this guidance.

Governing bodies and proprietors, working with their senior leadership teams and especially their designated safeguarding lead, should ensure that those staff who do not work directly with children read either Part one or Annex A (a condensed version of Part one) of this guidance. This is entirely a matter for the school or college and will be based on their assessment of which guidance will be most effective for their staff to safeguard and promote the welfare of children.

Governing bodies and proprietors should ensure that mechanisms are in place to assist staff to understand and discharge their role and responsibilities as set out in Part one (or Annex A if appropriate) of the guidance.

The document in full can be read in full by clicking HERE

For more information on KCSiE, search the Handsam Quick Guides Library using the Topic Tag "KCSiE"