Safeguarding in Schools

The Department for Education (DfE) published new Statutory Guidance on Keeping Children Safe in Education in July 2025.  This version is for information, pending publication of the final version which comes into force in September 2025.

It sets out what schools and colleges must do to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people under the age of 18.

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 includes information for all school and college staff.  The BWSCP recommends that this is distributed to all staff in schools, colleges and other educational establishments.

All educational establishments are required to also have regard to the following statutory guidance:

• Working Together to Safeguard Children 2023
• Disclosure and Barring Service - Employer guide
• What to do if you're worried a child is being abused, March 2015
• Information Sharing: Guidance for Practitioners July 2018
• Regulated Activity (children) supervision of activity with children which is regulated activity when unsupervised.

Independent Schools and Academies are also required to have regard to the following regulations:

• The Education (Independent School Standards) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2010 (which came into force 1st January 2013)

Schools with boarding provision need to have regard to:

• National Minimum Standards for Boarding Schools (September 2022)
• National Minimum Standards for Residential Special Schools (September 2022)

In addition, schools may wish to refer to the following guidance:

• School Inspection Handbook - September 2018
• Ofsted Inspections: detailed information

Go to the Ofsted website to find out more.

Resources:

DfE and ACPO drug advice for schools

Sexual violence and sexual harassment between children in schools and colleges