On Tuesday 7 July, the Department for Education (DfE) published the final version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026, with the new statutory guidance taking effect from 1 September 2026. While much of the framework remains familiar, leaders should note a number of significant changes in this updated guidance.

There are a number of updates to the 2025 document, including strengthened expectations around online safety and artificial intelligence (AI), more explicit references to AI-generated nude images, annual reviews of filtering and monitoring systems, and a new expectation that schools are mobile phone-free, by default. 

The 2026 statutory guidance also includes, for the first time, a dedicated section on children who are questioning their gender.

The guidance requires schools and colleges to consider requests relating to social transition through a safeguarding lens, with decisions taken on a case-by-case basis and parental involvement expected unless there is a risk of harm to the child. 

The guidance also confirms that:

• children aged over 8 should not use toilets designated for the opposite biological sex,
• children aged over 11 should not use changing rooms designated for the opposite biological sex, and
• children should not share boarding or overnight accommodation with those of the opposite biological sex.
   

The guidance also substantially strengthens its focus on child-on-child abuse, emphasising prevention, zero tolerance of harmful behaviour, and a safeguarding response for all children involved.

There are also important changes to safer recruitment, with new DBS requirements for some volunteers – following the Crime and Policing Act 2026, and a new expectation that all staff, including those who do not work directly with pupils, read and understand part one of the guidance. 

Additional updates cover areas such as information-sharing, mental health, and support for young carers and SEND pupils.

Schools will be expected to use the updated document to scrutinise existing school policies, plan staff training programmes, and review their IT infrastructure.

Read the full Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026.