Need-to-know: Have your say on changes to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

Friday 11 December 2020 11:25 AM
School types: All · School phases: All
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The DfE is consulting on proposed changes for September 2021, after dropping an earlier consultation in March. There are no new statutory requirements – most of the proposals clarify or expand on existing guidance. Here are the main changes you need to know about.

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Safeguarding information for all staff: providing an additional, condensed part 1

Schools would have the option to give this to staff who don't work directly with children, instead of making them read the full part 1.

The DfE believes the current version is too detailed for some staff, and prevents them from effectively understanding the key message: "if you see something, say something."

This was also included in the consultation of KCSIE 2020 that was withdrawn because of coronavirus. 

Safer recruitment: renewed focus on an ongoing 'culture of vigilance' in part 3

There would be no changes to the statutory requirements on safer recruitment. Instead, the DfE is proposing to:

  • Reformat part 3 so it's not weighted as heavily on Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks
  • Include additional guidance on how to carry out other safer recruitment checks (like references)

Managing allegations against staff: updated guidance in part 4

Managing allegations that don't meet the harm threshold Working