Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) 2024 and a Call for Evidence Consultation
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) serves as an important document providing statutory guidance by the Department of Education (DfE). Typically, a new version of KCSiE statutory guidance is released on 1 September each year.
KCSiE statutory guidance sets out the responsibilities of schools and colleges in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people under 18 years old. It encompasses various aspects, including the process for reporting and addressing child protection concerns, staff training and providing a safe learning environment. By addressing current safeguarding practices, thinking and challenges, the guidance provides schools and colleges with the knowledge and tools to tackle these issues effectively and establish best practices for ensuring the safety and welfare of children and young people in their care.
What was announced on 28 March 2024 and how does this affect the future direction of KCSiE releases?
The Department for Education (DfE) has launched a 12 week call for evidence regarding child safeguarding practices in schools and colleges.. This call for evidence is a structured framework for feedback inviting contributions from various stakeholders, which will inform policymakers in shaping future safeguarding policies tailored to educational settings. So, in the light of this call for evidence, the DfE announced that the forthcoming release of KCSiE 2024 will primarily receive just technical updates, with significant revisions planned for the subsequent version in 2025.
Why is this call for evidence important for safeguarding practices in schools and colleges in England?
By asking for feedback and engaging with safeguarding professionals at the policy planning stage, future safeguarding practices will be informed by real-life experiences and tailored to address the specific needs of children and young people in educational settings. In addition, the feedback from Ofsted’s ‘Big Listen’ survey (running until 31 May) may also be incorporated.
Who is required to feedback their opinions for the call for evidence and what are the key topics?
The Department for Education (DfE) encourages input from various stakeholders, these include:
- Designated and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads.
- Governing bodies of maintained nurseries and schools.
- Proprietors of independent schools.
- Senior Leadership Team of Pupil Referral Units (PRUs).
- Post-16 providers as set per the Education Training (Welfare of Children) Act 2021.
- Local authority children’s services.
- Social care professionals.
- Teaching unions.
- Safeguarding practitioners, including training providers.
- Teaching supply agencies.
Here is an outline of the key topics that the call for evidence covers:
- The role of DSLs.
- Recording, keeping and sharing child safeguarding data.
- Safer recruitment procedures.
- Online filtering and monitoring.
- Providing support for children after reports of sexual violence and harassment.
- Protecting children in boarding and residential special schools.
- Quality assuring safeguarding processes in schools.
- The role of AI
Closing date for the call to evidence and how to participate
The call for evidence consultation concludes on 20 June 2024, with participants invited to provide feedback through an online survey. Alternative methods such as email or postal replies are also accepted, although online submissions are preferred for ease of analysis.
Conclusion
The call for evidence and feedback will help shape future safeguarding educational policies. This proactive approach towards enhancing safeguarding practices in educational settings enables different stakeholders to have their say. For further information, you can refer to the DfE resources as well as engage in the consultation process itself.
Interested in our online KCSiE training tool?
We have developed an online Keeping Children in Education (KCSiE) training tool designed to ensure all staff working in schools and colleges understand the relevant sections in KCSiE documentation. The tool also ensures that every member of staff who needs to read it does so. It uses our easy-to-use learning management platform to evidence and verify that staff have read and understood the updated documentation.
Contact our friendly customer support team if you need more information about our online Keeping Children in Education training tool or request a free trial.
