The Department for Education (DfE) has released the preliminary “Information Only” version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), with the full guidance expected to come into force on the 1st of September 2025.
This draft highlights technical updates and minor amendments, serving as a timely reminder for safeguarding professionals about best practice in online safety, technology, and safeguarding. While not a full policy update, the draft confirms that KCSIE will continue to refine the online safety framework introduced in 2024, reinforcing filtering requirements, digital safeguarding responsibilities, and the leadership role of Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs). The guidance will also align with recent legislative developments, including the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.
Although Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is rapidly evolving, this version does not include formal AI guidance. However, supplementary materials addressing AI risks are expected in the future.
What Will KCSIE 2025 Include?
Compared to the 2024 edition, the 2025 draft contains no significant policy changes, only technical updates and legal alignment. Key takeaways include:
- Online Safety as a Core Safeguarding Responsibility:
Online safety remains embedded in policies, curriculum, staff training, and leadership oversight.
- Filtering and Monitoring Requirements:
Schools and colleges must implement and annually review effective filtering and monitoring systems to protect students. Further Filtering requirements can be found from the UK Safer Internet Centre.
- Staff Training and DSL Leadership:
All staff, including governors, must receive online safety training during induction and regular refreshers. The DSL is responsible for overseeing online safety, filtering, monitoring, and staff competency in these areas.
- Prioritising Digital Harms:
Online harms, including child-on-child abuse, should be treated with the same seriousness as offline abuse.
- Data and Privacy Safeguards:
Schools are required to comply with data protection laws (UK GDPR), covering areas such as photo use, device security, and student data management. Emerging technologies, including AI and encrypted communications, may require future policy updates.
How Can SWGfL Support?
The Information Only version of KCSIE 2025 reinforces the need for safeguarding in education to fully embrace online risks, from robust filtering and monitoring to digital literacy education and secure technology use.
At SWGfL, we are committed to supporting schools and colleges as KCSIE is fully implemented for settings in England later this year. Continuous staff training is essential to stay ahead of emerging risks. The DfE highlights the importance of tailored online safety education for vulnerable groups; SWGfL’s online safety training supports professionals across education, youth, and SEND settings.
Staff can further enhance their knowledge through ProjectEVOLVE EDU, a comprehensive training platform, and ProjectEVOLVE Safeguarding, which aligns safeguarding practices with government priorities.
To support compliance, schools and colleges can also access SWGfL’s range of tools and services, including:
- Filtering and Monitoring Support:
TestFiltering and TestFiltering Plus to ensure devices effectively block harmful content.
- Assisted Monitoring Service:
Monitor student device use to protect against online risks.
- 360 Safe:
Evaluate and improve your school’s online safety approach with this self-assessment tool.
- Data and Security Protection:
Access guidance on data protection and cybersecurity to safeguard student information.
This guidance is a timely reminder of the critical importance of online safety and the need for ongoing improvements in practice. As online risks continue to evolve, it is vital that professionals, especially school leaders and DSLs, proactively commit to meeting government requirements.
For more information, please visit the GOV.UK website or explore the full range of online safety, safeguarding, and security resources available at the SWGfL website.
