Keeping Updated
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) is the statutory safeguarding guidance that schools and colleges in England must follow. The current version (2024) is already in force but the next update has now been published and officially takes effect from 1 September 2025.
And while KCSIE is written for schools and colleges, it doesn’t stop at the school gate.
If you deliver services into education such as training, alternative provision, consultancy, extracurricular support, ICT, mentoring, pastoral services or onsite activities, these updates will influence what schools expect from you too.
At FabTraining, we make it a priority to stay on top of statutory changes and ensure we adapt our service provision to comply so here’s a clear overview of what’s new, why it matters, and how schools and their partners can make sure they are doing the right thing:|
Key Changes in KCSIE 2025 (In Plain English)
1️⃣ Online harms now include misinformation and fake news
The definition of online risk has been expanded. It’s no longer just about inappropriate content like self-harm, grooming or extremism, it now includes:
- Misinformation and disinformation
- Conspiracy content
- Fake news and harmful influence
This has implications for staff training, digital monitoring, curriculum planning and online safety policies.
2️⃣ Generative AI is officially on the safeguarding radar
For the first time, KCSIE links directly to government guidance on the safe use of AI in education. Schools must now consider generative AI tools in their:
- Filtering and monitoring systems
- Staff and learner digital conduct
- Safeguarding risk assessments
Any organisation supplying tech, digital learning tools or training will need to be aligned with this thinking.
3️⃣ Cybersecurity is tied directly to safeguarding
The update reinforces that cyber safety is part of child protection. Schools are now referred to the DfE cyber standards, and there’s an expectation that any platform, data handler or IT partner follows suit.
If your organisation handles school data or digital delivery, this one’s for you.
4️⃣ Alternative provision (AP) rules have tightened
Safeguarding expectations around AP are much clearer and more formal. Schools must now:
- Get written confirmation of DBS and vetting checks from providers
- Know exactly where a pupil is during AP placements (including satellite sites)
- Review placements at least every half term
- Record and act on safeguarding concerns swiftly
This affects training providers, off-site education partners, tuition services, behavioural placements and mentoring programmes.
5️⃣ Virtual School Head responsibilities have widened
Virtual School Heads will now support some children in kinship care arrangements (not just those looked after by local authorities). This means:
- Broader collaboration between agencies
- More professionals involved in safeguarding decisions
- Increased need for good information sharing
What Schools Will Expect from External Partners
From September 2025, schools may start asking providers, trainers and organisations for clearer evidence of safeguarding compliance.
That could include:
✔ Up-to-date safeguarding and child protection policies
✔ DBS checks and safer recruitment processes
✔ Staff safeguarding training dates and certificates
✔ Information on digital conduct and online safety
✔ Proof of appropriate filtering, monitoring or data security
✔ Transparent AP records (locations, staff, contacts, reviews)
This shift isn't about box-ticking it’s about shared responsibility. Schools will increasingly need to show that everyone they work with meets safeguarding expectations.
What This Means for Businesses, Trainers and Service Providers
Whether you’re delivering a one-day workshop, a long-term programme, mentoring support or contracted services, schools will expect you to be:
🔹 Prepared - not waiting to be asked for documentation
🔹 Vetted and trained - with evidence to hand
🔹 Aligned with KCSIE expectations, especially around digital safety
🔹 Clear about staff deployment and activity locations
🔹 Open to due diligence checks
A quick “yes, we’ve got a DBS” won’t cut it anymore. The bar is rising, and those who can provide reassurance upfront will stand out.
How FabTraining Leads the Way
At FabTraining, we don’t wait for changes to take us by surprise. We:
- Monitor safeguarding updates as soon as they are released
- Adapt our delivery and policies ahead of implementation
- Ensure all staff hold current safeguarding training and DBS checks
- Build digital and online safety into our approach
- Provide clear documentation that supports school compliance
- Understand the realities of AP, onsite delivery and statutory standards
Because we work across education, businesses and community settings, we’re used to bridging the gap between policy and practice and making sure clients feel confident, not overwhelmed.
Need Safeguarding Training or CPD Support?
With the 2025 update in force now is the ideal time to refresh safeguarding knowledge and make sure staff feel confident in their duties. At FabTraining, we providein-house and onsite safeguarding training tailored to your setting, including:
- Schools and academies
- Early years providers
- Alternative provision settings
- Training organisations
- Community groups
- Businesses who work with children or education partners
We also offer courses as part of widerCPD and compliance programmes, making it easy for organisations to stay aligned with KCSIE without disruption. If you would like support reviewing training needs, updating safeguarding policies or preparing for due diligence requests, we are here to help.
What You Can Do Now
Whether you’re a school leader, DSL, business owner or external provider, here are some simple starting points:
- Review your safeguarding policies
- Make sure DBS and vetting evidence is up to date
- Check how digital risks and AI use are covered
- If you provide AP, ensure written assurances are ready
- Train staff so they are confident discussing safeguarding responsibilities
- Speak to partners early about what is required from 1 September 2025
Final Thought
Safeguarding is not static and the updates that came into effect last month reflect the world children live in today: digital, complex and collaborative.
The good news? With the right awareness and preparation, both schools and providers can stay ahead of the curve.
And at FabTraining, we will continue doing what we’ve always done, keeping up with every change so you don’t have to.
If you’d like a copy of this summary as a checklist, or want to chat through training options, just get in touch.