Keeping Children Safe in Education 2023: Everything you need to know
The recent update to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) has been published and, although there are minimal changes overall, there are new recommendations and expectations that schools should be aware of before they come into play in September. Those applying for college vacancies should expect to be subject to an online search of their digital footprint, to ensure that there are no causes for concern when it comes to safeguarding or professional conduct. Further updates include being aware of issues around filtering and monitoring of online content, clarification on how to respond to allegations against outside parties using school premises and knowing the rules surrounding retention of documents in colleges.
Online searches for job applicants
In terms of safer recruitment, not much has changed. Last year it was recommended that schools and colleges carry out online searches for job candidates to identify and explore any issues that are publicly available online. The updated version now states explicitly in Part 3: Safer Recruitment that ‘schools and colleges should inform shortlisted candidates that online searches may be done as part of due diligence checks.’ This means that schools and colleges have been given the go-ahead to automatically carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates as part of their recruitment process.
Furthermore, the section on the need for ongoing vigilance when it comes to safeguarding states that ‘it is important that school and college leaders create the right culture and environment so that staff feel comfortable to discuss matters both within, and where it is appropriate, outside of the workplace (including online), which may have implications for the safeguarding of children’. The inclusion of online behaviour strengthens the need for schools and colleges to examine the online activities of potential new staff. FEjobs remains compliant following this new guidance, with our best practice email templates (that are available to all clients) informing shortlisted candidates that they may be subject to an online check.
Filtering and monitoring for online safety
Other notable changes to the guidelines are linked to online safety, and specifically filtering and monitoring on college devices and college networks. It is stated that the school or college's child protection policy should include reference to how appropriate filtering and monitoring technology form part of the school’s approach to online safety and that those working in schools should have a good understanding of these processes and the implications of not having them in place.
Ultimately, the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) has lead responsibility for understanding the filtering and monitoring systems in place to protect pupils, however all staff should ‘undergo safeguarding and child protection training (including online safety which, amongst other things, includes an understanding of the expectations, applicable roles and responsibilities in relation to filtering and monitoring)’.
Allegation against outside organisations
Another addition to KCSIE details colleges’ safeguarding responsibilities when it comes to allegations made against an outside organisation or individual using the college premises, such as community groups, sports providers, or any extracurricular activities. The advice states: ‘As with any safeguarding allegation, schools and colleges should follow their safeguarding policies and procedures, including informing the LADO [local authority designated officer].’ This confirms that any allegations against staff or visitors should be treated equally.
Retention of DBS documents
The updated version of KCSIE clarifies that ‘schools and colleges do not have to keep copies of DBS certificates in order to fulfil the duty of maintaining the single central record.’ The section in bold has been added to clarify what may have been perceived as unclear to schools in the previous version of the document. To comply with the requirements of the Data Protection Act 2018, when schools choose to retain a copy of a DBS certificate, there should be a valid reason for doing so and it should not be kept for longer than six months. The school should keep a record of the fact that the vetting was carried out and the recruitment decision once the information has been destroyed.
Other updates and changes
- The word ‘students’ has been added to act as a reminder that KCSIE applies to sixth form colleges and further education providers as well as primary and secondary schools.
- Provision within the Equality Act includes reasonable adjustments for disabled children and young people.
- Children ‘missing from education’ has been changed to children ‘who are absent from education’ in some cases to reflect the difference between the two.
- It is stated that children who are home-schooled with an EHCP should have their plan reviewed by the local authority alongside their parents/carers.
- The section previously entitled ‘Discipline and the alleged perpetrators’ is now entitled ‘Sanctions and the alleged perpetrators’.
- The link between mental health, school attendance and progress is emphasised in Annex B.
- The section on Prevent and referrals to Channel now refers to individuals who are susceptible rather than vulnerable to radicalisation. We are also reminded that referrals to Channel require an individual’s consent.
- The section on forced marriage reflects the law change of February 2023, when it was made a crime to carry out any conduct which could cause a child to marry before their 18th
What wasn’t included
Whilst the updated version of KCSIE has clarified and added many points, it has also raised some questions. Online searches for potential candidates are now recommended, however there is no guidance on what these searches should look like and how they should be conducted. Further guidance on how to carry out these searches would be welcomed by colleges and provide more consistency. There is also a lack of information relating to supervision for DSLs – something that was proposed in the consultation document from 2020 (which was abandoned due to Covid-19) and is a major concern for many DSLs.
Next steps for colleges
- Create (or review existing) procedures for conducting online searches for shortlisted candidates. This should include notifying the candidate of your intent to carry out these searches prior to interview.
- Ensure that you promote a culture of vigilance both inside the workplace, outside the workplace and online.
- Check your Child Protection policy to ensure that it has reference to filtering and monitoring systems and who is responsible for ensuring that these systems are effective.
- Ensure that all staff have completed training on the role of filtering and monitoring in safeguarding and that the DSL has a lead role in this.
- Check the procedures referring to outside parties using the school site and ensure that all staff are aware of these. State that these procedures are clearly stated in any lettings and hirings policies.
- Check that you are not keeping copies of DBS certificates without valid reason and that none are kept for longer than six months.
The full KCSIE document can be accessed here, with all changes and amendments listed in Annex F.
About the author
Samantha Gibson
Coming from a vetting background, Samantha has always had a passion for compliance. She has completed several courses, including Compliance Management, Leadership, and Life Coaching, demonstrating her commitment to expanding her skillset. Additionally, Samantha holds the role of Designated Safeguarding Lead, reflecting her dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of children. She believes that implementing and maintaining the appropriate processes within the company is crucial in safeguarding children, and she is deeply passionate about this aspect of her work.