KCSiE 2025: Strengthening Safeguarding Through Smarter IT

What Has Changed in KCSiE 2025?

The 2025 Keeping Children Safe in Education update introduces new expectations that put IT and digital safety at the heart of safeguarding. The changes make clear that schools must do more to manage online risks effectively.

Key updates include:

  • Stronger focus on monitoring and filtering: Schools must review the effectiveness of their systems regularly, not just install them.

  • Broader definitions of online harm: New emphasis on risks like misinformation, conspiracy theories and disinformation.

  • Cybersecurity linked directly to safeguarding: Protecting systems from cyberattacks is now a safeguarding duty, not just an IT issue.

  • Responsibilities for alternative provision: Pupils educated off-site must still be safeguarded through IT policies and systems.

  • Anticipated additions: The September statutory edition will expand on RSHE and gender identity support, making it essential for schools to be ready.

Key takeaways from KCSiE 2025

The updates highlight that school’s must have robust IT and online safety policies. This means that:

  • Filtering and monitoring must work in practice, not just on paper.

  • Digital threats are evolving, and your systems must adapt quickly.

  • Cybersecurity failures equal safeguarding failures, with potential reputational and regulatory consequences.

  • Pupils learning beyond school walls are still your responsibility, including in online environments.

  • Preparation is key — Waiting until September to make policy decisions could leave your school vulnerable.

How Schools can be ready for KCSiE in September

Here are practical measures schools should consider now:

  • Audit your current filtering and monitoring systems to ensure they are effective and well-documented.

  • Update safeguarding policies to reflect new risks such as AI misuse and misinformation.

  • Strengthen your cybersecurity measures including staff awareness training and proactive threat management.

  • Extend safeguarding protocols to cover pupils in alternative provision and off-site learning.

How Link ICT Supports Schools with KCSiE 2025

At Link ICT, we know that safeguarding compliance and IT management go hand in hand. Our services help schools meet KCSiE 2025 requirements with confidence:

  • Filtering and Monitoring Reviews to ensure compliance with DfE expectations.

  • Cybersecurity Protection to defend networks, staff and pupils against cyber threats.

  • Support for Online Harm Controls including emerging risks like misinformation.

  • Alternative Provision Solutions that keep remote or off-site learning environments safe.

  • Policy Guidance and Training to help staff understand and implement changes effectively.

Be ready before KCSiE 2025 becomes statutory.
Contact us here to ensure you are ready for KCSiE 2025 to come into force in September