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  Learning outcomes By the end of the briefing, participants will be able to: 1.       Explain the key KCSIE expectations relating to children who are questioning their gender and requests for support with social transition. 2.      Identify the safeguarding considerations leaders must take into account, including vulnerability, bullying, family context, mental health, psychosocial needs and the welfare of other children. 3.      Describe the school or college decision-making process for considering requests, including parental involvement, DSL input, professional advice, documentation and review. 4.      Understand the governance role in assuring that policies, records, staff practice and leadership decisions are consistent with the updated guidance. Overall aim The briefing should give leadership teams and governance roles a clear understanding of: ·     ...

Introduction In July 2026, the Department for Education published new statutory guidance on Allergy Safety in Schools . The guidance strengthens expectations around how schools identify, manage and respond to allergies and anaphylaxis. It reflects growing awareness of the increasing number of children and young people living with allergies and the potentially life-threatening consequences of allergic reactions. The guidance makes clear that allergy safety is not simply a medical issue. It is also a safeguarding, health and safety, equality and inclusion responsibility. The publication of this statutory guidance follows significant national campaigning by the family of Benedict Blythe following his death from anaphylaxis at school in 2021. Often referred to as 'Benedict's Law', the campaign called for stronger and more consistent allergy safety arrangements within schools. The subsequent Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 introduced new allergy safety duties, whic...

  The 2021 Ofsted Review of Sexual Abuse in Schools and Colleges highlighted the prevalence of sexual harassment, sexual abuse and harmful sexual behaviours experienced by children and young people. The review found that many incidents go unreported and that some harmful behaviours had become normalised within educational settings.   In response, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) continues to place significant emphasis on preventing, identifying and responding effectively to child-on-child abuse. Part 5 of KCSIE 2026 provides schools and colleges with statutory guidance on understanding and managing harmful sexual behaviour (HSB), sexual harassment and sexual violence between children. It also reflects emerging safeguarding concerns, including the sharing of AI-generated sexual images and online abuse.   As professionals working with children, it is essential that we understand our safeguarding responsibilities, remain vigilant to indicators of abuse, and...