What is KCSIE (Keeping children safe in education)?

KCSIE applies to all schools in England, whether maintained, academy, independent or non-maintained, including pupil referral units and alternative provision academies, as well as colleges. Schools and colleges must have regard to it, which means following it unless there is a good reason not to. It defines children as everyone under the age of 18.

The guidance is split into parts. Part one is for all staff and covers recognising abuse and neglect and what to do if you are worried. Later parts cover managing safeguarding, the role of the designated safeguarding lead, safer recruitment, allegations against staff, and child-on-child sexual violence and harassment. The current edition is KCSIE 2026, which took effect in September 2026 and replaced the 2025 edition. Always check GOV.UK for the version in force.

England and Wales

KCSIE covers England only. Schools in Wales follow the Welsh Government’s Keeping learners safe guidance, which covers similar ground but uses some different terms, such as designated safeguarding person.

Why it matters for your setting

• All staff should read at least part one and confirm they have done so.
• Inspectors check your safeguarding arrangements against KCSIE.
• Schools that place pupils with an alternative provider remain responsible for their safety, so they will expect you to follow the same standards and confirm staff checks in writing.

How PupilDB helps

PupilDB staff records hold DBS numbers and dates, references, TRN and safeguarding and first-aid certificates, which supports the safer recruitment records KCSIE expects.