You’re likely aware that The Department For Education has recently released the draft of its new statutory guidance for Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023.

Whilst the 2022 guidance is currently in force, the new guidance will come into force on the 1^st September 2023.

Although there are no major additions as the DFE has said they want settings to embed current guidance fully, there are a few changes for DSLs and school staff to be aware of – we’ve compiled a few of the changes to be aware of below, to ensure the safety of all children in your setting.

The main proposed KCSIE changes

New Filtering and Monitoring Standards

This is the main updated section in the guidance. Schools and colleges must ensure that robust filtering and monitoring systems are in place and are reviewed annually to manage risks regarding the settings IT system.

This involves blocking harmful content, deploying effective monitoring strategies and assigning responsibilities to those within your setting.

This isn’t completely new, but the emphasis has changed and the guidance has been strengthened, especially and the management of monitoring your systems. DSLs are to have lead responsibility and all staff need training in this area.

Your CP policy needs to address this and governors hold strategic oversight. Guidance was updated in March 2023 which you should follow – you can find it here.

More guidance about Online Recruitment Checks

Schools and colleges should inform shortlisted candidates that they will conduct online searches, to identify the possibility of any public incidents that may need to be discussed with the candidate.

Organisations and Individuals Using School Premises

Guidance has been updated regarding safeguarding allegations made when an outside individual or organisation is in use of the school premises. School’s own safeguarding policies and procedures should be followed as well as ensuring the LADO is informed.

Student Absence

Terminology around children missing education has been clarified to talk about “persistently absent” children, missing education on repeat occasions.

Forced Marriage

Due to the law change in February 2023 which made any marriage under the age of 18 illegal, the language around Forced Marriage has been updated.

BOOK YOUR SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Have you booked your safeguarding training for 2023/24 yet?

Services For Education provide a wide range of safeguarding training courses throughout the year. For September, we recommend the following:

About the Adviser

Jo Perrin - Adviser, Services For Education

Jo Perrin is a seasoned Education Adviser with a strong background in safeguarding. She has held key roles as a Designated Safeguarding Lead and pastoral lead in the education sector. Facilitating training to enhance the knowledge and skills of professionals working directly with children and young people is her passion.

With a wealth of experience in teaching PSHE and expertise in childhood trauma from her time as a foster carer, Jo is dedicated to supporting organisations that work with children and vulnerable adults on safeguarding issues. She is actively involved in professional safeguarding groups in the West Midlands and is currently collaborating on a research project with colleagues from the University of Birmingham and the NHS focusing on FGM awareness within communities. Jo’s has worked as a West Midlands' Adviser for national PSHE resources, presented at the Sex Education Forum National Members' Event and authored an advertorial for PSM magazine and an article for SEND magazine.

Jo's expertise extends to training on topics such as Safer Recruitment and Mental Health at Work. She is also a facilitator for the nationally recognised NPQSL qualification, supporting senior leaders in education. Her contributions to publications and development of resources for RSE provision have been well-received by schools nationally and internationally.

With her extensive experience and dedication to professional development, Jo Perrin is a highly respected figure in the field of education. Her guidance on safeguarding, mental health awareness, personal development, and relationships education is highly valued within the industry.