From 1 September 2025, the updated statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) comes into effect. Schools, colleges and MATs must review policies, staff training and safeguarding processes to stay compliant.
At Glide, we understand that safeguarding extends beyond the classroom. That is why we partner with Smoothwall, a leader in digital safeguarding and monitoring, to help schools meet Department for Education (DfE) requirements while protecting pupils online.
Key updates in KCSIE 2025
Online safety – stronger protections
The definition of online risks now includes misinformation, disinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories. Schools must also consider:
- the DfE’s filtering and monitoring standards, with annual reviews
- guidance on generative AI and product safety
- clearer expectations around cyber security standards to improve resilience
Attendance becomes statutory
Working together to improve school attendance is now statutory guidance. Schools must:
- report daily attendance to the DfE
- follow updated requirements for admission registers
- apply revised processes for penalty notices
Alternative provision (AP)
The guidance makes clear the responsibilities for pupils placed in AP. Schools must:
- confirm that safeguarding checks have been completed on AP staff
- remain aware of any risks to pupils
- review AP placements at least half termly and act if concerns arise
Virtual school heads
Their role now includes promoting the educational achievement of children in kinship care, in addition to looked-after and previously looked-after children.
SEND language updates
To align with the SEND Code of Practice, terms such as “spectrum disorder” have been removed, ensuring more consistent and sensitive language.
Future guidance
Further updates are expected, including:
- revised RSHE guidance (published July 2025, in force September 2026)
- guidance on gender-questioning children, anticipated in summer 2025
What this means for schools and MATs
These changes reflect the DfE’s stronger emphasis on digital safeguarding, attendance oversight and support for vulnerable pupils. Schools and trusts should update policies, technical systems and staff training well ahead of September.
Glide, working with Smoothwall, provides schools and MATs with the foundation to meet these standards. Our support includes:
- DfE-compliant filtering and monitoring
- secure, resilient broadband infrastructure
- hands-on support with DfE paperwork and compliance checks
Next steps
- Review safeguarding policies against the September 2025 updates
- Audit filtering and monitoring against DfE standards
- Update staff training to include new focus areas such as misinformation, AI safety and AP oversight
- Work with trusted partners like Glide and Smoothwall to ensure compliance and robust safeguarding
Call us on 03455 911 311
Email: education@glide.co.uk
Glide – empowering educators, safeguarding futures.
