Statutory guidance for schools and colleges on safeguarding children and safer recruitment.
The guidance sets out the legal duties that schools and colleges must follow to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people under the age of 18.
It applies to all schools and colleges, and is intended for:
- headteachers, teachers and school staff
- governing bodies, proprietors, and management committees
A full summary of the changes to ‘Keeping children safe in education 2026’ is available in Annex C of the guidance.
‘Keeping children safe in education 2026’ is for information only and does not come into force until 1 September 2026.
Schools and colleges must continue to use ‘Keeping children safe in education 2025’ until 31 August 2026.