Keeping Children Safe In Education 2024: Everything You Need to Know
The latest update to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) has been published, and while some updates build upon previous versions, the 2024 guidance places new emphasis on preventing violence against children, digital safety, and emotional well-being.
Recruitment
Online Searches for Job Applicants
Safer recruitment continues to play a crucial role in the KCSIE guidance. As stated in the 2023 guidance, schools are expected to carry out online searches for shortlisted candidates. The 2024 update reinforces this requirement but with an added emphasis on ensuring that any information collected online is relevant to safeguarding concerns.
Candidates should be informed that an online search may be part of the shortlisting process, and schools should provide information on the purpose of these searches.
Self- Declaration
In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidelines, shortlisted candidates should complete a self-declaration regarding any criminal record or information that may make them unsuitable to work with children.
We offer clients the option to collect these declarations either at the shortlisting stage or during the initial application, ensuring compliance and flexibility in the recruitment process.
Referencing
There is continued emphasis on conducting comprehensive pre-appointment checks, including identity checks, verifying professional qualifications, and assessing the candidate’s work history in regulated activity with children.
Our platform fully automates the referencing process. Our Online Referencing Feature simplifies the task of managing references by allowing you to track, request, and receive them in one place bolstering safer hiring processes.
Awareness
There is an increased expectation that at least one member of the recruitment panel should have completed safer recruitment training. This ensures that those involved in hiring decisions are fully aware of the risks and responsibilities associated with safeguarding.
Our upcoming Onboarding and Safeguarding module integrates effortlessly into your hiring process in Eteach, keeping you aligned with all necessary safeguarding regulations. To give you complete confidence in compliance, our experts are fully equipped with the latest best practices and safeguarding to give you the support you need.
Other updates
Updated Safeguarding Definition
The increasing emphasis on digital safeguarding in schools will continue in 2024, with an enhanced focus on educating students about online safety, including how to recognise online dangers and manage their digital presence responsibly.
The 2024 guidance reiterates that the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) should lead on understanding these systems, but also highlights the need for staff to be well-trained and aware of the broader safeguarding implications of online activity.
Strengthening Emotional Well-being and Mental Health Support
KCSIE 2024 introduces a stronger link between safeguarding, mental health, and emotional well-being. The new guidelines emphasise the importance of supporting students' mental health as part of overall safeguarding efforts. Schools are expected to ensure that mental health support is available and accessible, especially for vulnerable children or those at risk of harm.
Summary
The 2024 KCSIE guidance reinforces the need for rigorous and comprehensive safer recruitment processes in education. Schools and educational institutions are expected to take proactive steps in ensuring that all future hires are thoroughly vetted at every step of the process to maintain a safe environment for children.
Eteach’s Application Tracking System is compliant with KCSIE guidelines to give you peace of mind in safeguarding during your hiring projects.
Find out more: Education Recruitment Software | Eteach
About the author
Vanessa Sizya
Vanessa earned her Bachelor's degree in Textile Design from De Montfort University in Leicester, where she developed a strong interest in consumer journey. Building on this passion, she pursued a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing at the University of West London. Now a Digital Marketing Assistant at Eteach, she brings her creative background and diverse skill set to crafting and delivering impactful content.
