Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018

10th September 2018

Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018

The Department for Education statutory guidance on keeping Children Safe in Education has been updated and a revised document came into force with effect from 3 September 2018.

The revised document requires schools to have an individual policy which takes into consideration the relevant setting of the school. It must be updated on a regular basis (at least annually) and form part of the school’s learning and development programme. All staff must read part 1 of the Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018 and those with direct responsibility for children must also read Annex A.

The guidance requires schools to hold at least 2 emergency contacts for each pupil and to carry out risk assessments for volunteers in order to determine if a DBS check is required.

The revised guidance requires schools to carry out S128 barred checks for:

• Governors/Trustees
• Headteachers
• Other members of the Senior Leadership team
• Department Heads

The 2018 document puts a greater emphasis on:

• Care leaver
• Previously Looked After Children
• Children with SEN and Disabilities
• Peer on peer abuse
• On-line safety, including internet access via mobile technology

A copy of Keeping Children Safe in Education 2018 can be found here. Please contact your local Safeguarding Board for further support.