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Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025: Guide for schools, clubs & childcare

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Keeping children safe in education is a legal, moral, and practical priority for every school, after-school club, and childcare provider. With updated Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2024 guidance and the upcoming Education Inspection Framework 2025, providers need to be ready - not just compliant, but confidently prepared.

This blog breaks down the key updates, inspection expectations, and practical actions you can take, including how booking software can reduce safeguarding risks and enhance oversight.

What is Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)?

KCSIE is statutory guidance from the UK government’s Department for Education (DfE) that outlines how schools and childcare providers must safeguard children. It applies to all schools, colleges, early years settings, and wraparound care providers in England.

Safeguarding means protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm - whether online, offline, emotional, or physical.

What was new in Keeping Children Safe in Education 2024?

The September 2024 summary of changes includes:

• Revised guidance on online safety risks
• Clarity on low-level concerns reporting
• Enhanced emphasis on child-on-child abuse prevention
• Clearer expectations around governance and training
• Continued responsibilities for Designated safeguarding leads (DSLs), e.g. training, leadership, and statutory role (working closely with multi-agency partners when needed)
• The link between safeguarding, mental health, and emotional well-being

These updates reflect current risks and strengthen whole-setting accountability. The full Keeping Children Safe in Education updates 2024 Part 1 and Main Points should be reviewed by all staff, particularly those in wraparound and out-of-school roles.

Tip: Ensure staff members have read and signed Keeping Children Safe in Education Part 1 of KCSIE 2024 - this is a statutory requirement.

Want to see how MagicBooking’s childcare booking software makes compliance with KCSIE easier for your team? Book a demo now and see how simple safeguarding can be.

Education inspection framework 2025: Safeguarding focus

From November 2025, Ofsted’s renewed Education Inspection Framework will raise the bar on safeguarding accountability. Regional webinars and sector-specific sessions have already begun.

What are Ofsted inspections looking for?

The 2025 update clearly states that schools remain responsible for safeguarding pupils they place in alternative provision, even when those children are off-site.

• Safeguarding policy clarity
• Staff understanding of how safeguarding concerns are escalated
• Evidence of safe and consistent recordkeeping
• Online safety education delivery
• Training records and DBS documentation
• Settings must ensure they safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people
• The updated inspection framework will assess leadership and management alongside the quality of education delivered

If you’re wondering “how do Ofsted inspections work?” or have any other questions about Ofsted, please read our previous blog called ‘Ofsted inspection handbook: How schools & clubs can prepare’. Our guide focusses on how you can get a glowing report card!

Further information about KCSIE updates is available on gov.uk (the government website):

• Book your webinar via Ofsted’s engagement programme.
• Read the full KCSIE 2025 guidance (PDF).

Make Ofsted inspections less stressful with a booking system for schools and clubs that prioritise child safety. Schedule a walkthrough of how MagicBooking automatically prepares your safeguarding records and reports.

Keeping Children Safe in Education main points 2025: June–July changes & what’s next in part 2

The Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 updates released in July focus on clarifying terms, strengthening low-level concern procedures, and improving staff understanding of safeguarding escalation pathways.

In 2025, the DfE updated the definition of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children to align with Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023, bringing more clarity to what schools and providers must prioritise.

These KCSIE changes - now active - reflect the DfE’s commitment to strengthening child protection across all education settings.

Key KCSIE 2025 changes (as of July):

• Redefinition of safeguarding language: Terms such as “concern,” “allegation,” and “harm” have been refined to avoid ambiguity and strengthen internal reporting standards.
• Clearer guidance on low-level concerns: The 2025 update reinforces the importance of early reporting, removing hesitancy in flagging behavioural concerns among staff - even if they don’t meet the threshold for formal action.
• Strengthened role of early help: Encouraging staff to recognise and respond to emerging concerns earlier using examples from Working Together 2023.
• Emphasis on training & procedures: All staff must understand how to escalate concerns - not just what to do, but who to speak to and how each concern is logged.
• Updates to KCSIE Part 1: The Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 Part 1 must be read and understood by all staff. It outlines their statutory safeguarding responsibilities and is a non-negotiable requirement for compliance.
• Digital recordkeeping focus: Implicit within the new guidance is the expectation of secure, auditable safeguarding records - something modern childcare booking systems like MagicBooking can support directly.
• Schools reminded to use the DfE’s Data Protection Toolkit for Schools to meet their legal responsibilities when handling child safeguarding information.
• Virtual School Heads now have a non-statutory duty to support the education of children in kinship care, broadening their role beyond looked-after children.
• KCSIE 2025 now uses the term autism instead of autism spectrum disorder, in line with inclusive language used in the SEND Code of Practice.

Wondering about the EYFS safeguarding changes for 2025? Read our previous blog called ‘2025 updates to Early Years Foundation Stage’.

What to expect in part 2 (coming September 2025)

The Department for Education has confirmed that Part 2 of the 2025 safeguarding guidance will be released in September 2025, aligning with the updated Education Inspection Framework changes due to take effect in November.

Expected additions include:

• Expanded guidance on online safeguarding risks
• New advice for out-of-school providers and wraparound care settings
• Further direction on working with external agencies (police, NHS, local authorities)
• Reinforcement of expectations under the new Ofsted inspection framework
• Guidance for supporting gender questioning children is under review, with updates expected once the DfE concludes its ongoing consultation

Watch this space: Providers are encouraged to attend Ofsted’s regional webinars and inspection framework briefings to stay ahead of the autumn requirements.

Stay one step ahead of September updates! Future-proof your processes before the next inspection window by signing up to a compliant system like MagicBooking. Speak to our friendly experts.

What is practical security and safeguarding in education?

DfE’s guidance highlights the importance of site security, incident preparedness, and digital safety:

Physical security:

• Secure building perimeters
• Visitor controls
• Risk assessments for serious threats (e.g. knife crime, lockdowns)

Cyber & online safety:

• Prevent access to harmful content
• Monitor platform usage
• Safeguard learner data

Counter-terrorism preparation:

• ACT for Youth training (Run, Hide, Tell)
• Emergency response planning
• Staff e-learning on situational awareness

See how MagicBooking supports safer settings without adding admin pressure.

How does booking software support safeguarding?

MagicBooking helps you stay compliant and proactive with digital systems that reduce manual error, enhance visibility, and streamline record-keeping.

MagicBooking’s key safeguarding features:

• Real-time registers: Know who’s in and who’s absent, instantly
• Access controls: Only authorised pick-up/drop-off users
• Audit trails: Every change is logged, from bookings to attendance
• Automated alerts: Flags for absences or pickup delays
• Parent communication: Integrated messaging for urgent updates
• Data privacy: GDPR-compliant storage and secure access
• Child notes: Organise child notes, like SEND and allergies, easily for all intended staff to be aware
• Injury & Accident reports: Simplify recording accidents, keeping this on file, and notifying parents

This isn’t just a childcare booking system - it’s a system designed to enhance trust, accountability, and safety at every point of contact.

We’ve had multiple organisations tell us that our automated reports have made preparing for Ofsted easy, plus Ofsted themselves have praised our electronic check-in/out functionality during inspections! Read our case studies.

Ready to modernise how you handle registers, alerts and child safety data? Request your free MagicBooking demo today and take control of your compliance.

Wraparound care & safeguarding

Wraparound childcare providers often manage vulnerable children outside traditional school hours - when visibility can drop.

MagicBooking’s childcare booking system ensures:

• Accurate staff-to-child ratios
• Visibility of dietary/medical needs
• Late collection monitoring
• Integration with school MIS systems for continuity of care

Working in wraparound childcare hours? Discover how MagicBooking gives staff real-time child visibility even when the school day ends.

Takeaway checklist for schools, childcare, wraparound, and activity club providers

Here’s your quick-start action list:

• Read Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 blog by DofE
• Ensure staff complete Part 1of the full KCSIE 2025 guidance (PDF)
• Audit your security and online safety policies
• Register for an Ofsted Education Inspection Framework engagement programme webinar
• Upgrade manual registers to digital systems
• Implement a robust childcare booking software like MagicBooking to reduce safeguarding risks

Tick off your safeguarding action list with ease - book a tailored walkthrough of how MagicBooking can help you.

How does MagicBooking help with Keeping Children Safe in Education?

The landscape of school and childcare safeguarding is changing fast - with KCSIE Education Inspection Framework 2024 updates, and Education Inspection Framework 2025 changes, and increased accountability across settings. Digital transformation isn’t just about convenience - it’s about safety, protection, and trust.

MagicBooking goes beyond running online bookings - it’s a central hub for safeguarding, compliance, and parent trust so you can achieve childcare business growth whilst prioritising families.

We offer features like digital registers with real-time attendance, child records with notes, accident logging, notifications to parents, secure audit trails of user actions, and role-based access to sensitive information.

Hence, we help providers meet the full scope of KCSIE and Ofsted requirements - without the paperwork overload.

• 93% of providers report increased parent accessibility
• 75% admin time saved (Shine Clubs)
• 73% improvement in cash flow (Symphony Trust)
• Ofsted-ready reports and registers praised during multiple inspections
• Trusted by 2000+ schools, MATs, clubs, and out-of-school care providers

Whether you’re preparing for inspection, managing wraparound care, or simply want peace of mind - MagicBooking does the hard work, so your staff can focus on the children.

Book your free demo now to explore how MagicBooking can help you stay compliant, protect children, and grow your childcare business.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the Keeping Children Safe in Education summary?

The Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) summary outlines key safeguarding responsibilities for all school and childcare staff. As the guidance is regularly updated, there is no final version - providers must stay informed with the latest release each year.

What does Ofsted stand for?

Ofsted stands for the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills. It inspects services that care for children and young people, including education providers.

What does KCSIE mean?

KCSIE means Keeping Children Safe in Education. It is statutory guidance from the Department for Education on safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare in schools and childcare settings.

What are the 5 parts of Keeping Children Safe in Education & what are the 5 safeguarding principles in schools?

KCSIE is divided into 5 parts: safeguarding information for staff, management responsibilities, safer recruitment, dealing with concerns, and child-on-child abuse. The 5 key safeguarding principles are: prevention, protection, partnership, accountability, and proportionality.

What are the 4 Cs Keeping Children Safe in Education?

The 4 Cs are categories of online risk: content, contact, conduct, and commerce. These help staff understand how to protect children in digital environments.

What is the child safety bill 2025?

As of now, there is no official UK legislation named the Child Safety Bill 2025. Providers should refer to KCSIE 2025 and the Online Safety Act for the most current statutory guidance.

What are the changes for KCSIE 2025?

KCSIE 2025 includes updates to safeguarding definitions, clearer low-level concern procedures, strengthened training expectations, revised autism terminology, and a pending review on gender questioning children.

What are the changes in the 2025 curriculum?

The Department for Education has not announced major changes to the national curriculum in 2025. Current focus areas include safeguarding, attendance, and mental health within existing frameworks.

What is the most current UK statutory guidance for safeguarding called 2025?

The most current statutory safeguarding guidance in 2025 is Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025, issued by the Department for Education.

What is the summary of Keeping Children Safe in Education?

The KCSIE summary outlines staff responsibilities, how to report concerns, safeguarding procedures, and the importance of early help. It applies to all education and childcare providers in England.