Welcome back to the start of another academic year. This week’s Update focuses on the latest version of KCSIE which came into force on 1 September, the new requirement for schools to have an allergy safety policy, updated Ofsted Inspection Guidance which comes into force on Monday and confirmation of the new Education Secretary.

KCSIE 2026
The latest version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 was published on 1 September and came into effect immediately.

Comparing the final version against the July 2026 ‘for information’ version there are six substantive changes. Four of these introduce racism and faith-based prejudice as an explicit safeguarding category, appearing in Part One, in the definition of child-on-child abuse, and as a whole-school culture expectation. The remaining two changes tighten the definition of sexual abuse (to bring it in line with Working Together); and tightens the safer recruitment of volunteers working in EYFS settings.

Allergy Safety and Benedict’s Law
New allergy safety duties take effect from this month, requiring schools to have an allergy safety policy and follow statutory guidance. Further measures cover staff training, adrenaline devices, allergy management and incident reporting. The NGA has helpfully produced new guidance to ensure Governing bodies know what their responsibilities are.

Updated Ofsted Inspection Guidance
Ofsted has published updated inspection information, toolkits and operating guidance for use from 7 September 2026. The updated school inspection materials clarify expectations around safeguarding, inclusion, medical conditions and allergy safety, mobile phone policies, enrichment, SEND, attendance, behaviour, alternative provision and strategic documentation.

New Education Secretary
Over the summer, Lucy Powell was appointed Education Secretary following Andy Burnham’s appointment as Prime Minister. She inherits a significant programme of ongoing education reform, including SEND, curriculum and assessment, workforce, funding, and post-16 education.