This week I report on the DfE releasing KCSIE 2023 which will come into force on 1 September, a consultation on proposed changes in the EYFS and information on the review of the RSHE curriculum and statutory guidance.

KCSIE 2023 released
The DfE has released KCSIE 2023 which will come into force on 1 September 2023. Until then, schools must continue to ensure they comply with the 2022 version.

The DfE had already confirmed that no significant changes would be made. Minor changes include new information to say that staff training should cover understanding roles and responsibilities in online filtering and monitoring systems, and providing clarification on the difference between children missing education and children absent from education.

Consultation on proposed changes in the EYFS
The DfE has opened a consultation on changes to the EYFS to make it more practical for different types of EYFS providers, and to offer more flexibility and reduce burdens. Changes proposed include amending staff:child ratio requirements to allow staff to supervise more children and putting information for childminders into its own separate framework. The consultation closes on 26 July 2023.

Independent panel to advise on age appropriateness within RSHE
The independent panel will inform the government’s review of the RSHE curriculum and statutory guidance and is set to conclude by September 2023. Its term of reference can be accessed using this link.

The review will consider whether the guidance covers the right topics and offers teachers clarity on how to teach sensitive subjects and engage parents positively, and if new or additional content on mental health, suicide prevention, vaping and tackling violence against girls is needed. The review will be completed by the end of the year, following a consultation in the Autumn.

In addition to the above development, the Prime Minister has said that pupils will be taught about the health risks of vaping in RSHE lessons. A resource pack for schools on vaping aimed at pupils aged 11-13 is to be released by the government in July.