From September 1st 2023, we will see changes in the new government document of Keeping Children Safe in Education.

Here is a summary of the updates for KCSIE September 2023:

Student absences

The updated guidance highlights that being absent, as well as missing, from education can be a warning sign of a range of safeguarding concerns, including sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or child criminal exploitation and must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead. Reduced attendance can be an indicator of any of the 4 categories of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, neglect.

Filtering & Monitoring

KCSIE 2023 states that a school's code of conduct must outline their policy on staff mobile phone use. Breach of a staff behaviour policy on mobile phone use may result in a low-level concern being reported, so make sure you have read and fully understood what's required.

Any pupils misusing a school device, searching unwanted or disturbing content, must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

Low level concerns

It is important to be aware that sometimes a school will consult with their LADO (Local Authority Designated Officer) if unsure whether low-level concerns shared about a member of staff meet the harm/safeguarding threshold. Be aware of the categories of low-level concerns, and the process of reaching an outcome.

Safer recruitment

As part of safer recruitment, schools, as well as Zen Educate, ensure online searches are completed as part of pre-recruitment checks. It is important that as an educational professional you remain mindful of the use of your social media accounts, remaining private and within respectable boundaries.