RM Technology has outlined the main changes contained in the 2026 edition of Keeping Children Safe in Education, helping schools prepare for the updated statutory guidance before it comes into force on 1 September 2026.
The latest guidance signals a broader shift in safeguarding expectations. Rather than concentrating mainly on procedural compliance, the 2026 framework places greater emphasis on professional curiosity, earlier recognition of vulnerability and the responsibility of staff across an organisation to identify emerging risks.
Mental health guidance has been expanded significantly, with early identification no longer treated primarily as the responsibility of designated safeguarding leads. The increased focus on awareness across the wider school workforce may create additional demand for clear internal processes, appropriate staff training and consistent escalation procedures.
The guidance also responds to the development of artificial intelligence and its potential impact on online safety. Deepfakes are named explicitly for the first time, while the wording around AI-generated nude imagery has been updated. Filtering and monitoring guidance has also been revised to reflect the growing volume and complexity of AI-generated content.
These changes increase the importance of safeguarding technology that can adapt to new forms of digital risk without unnecessarily restricting legitimate educational resources. Schools must balance protection with access, particularly when filtering requirements may differ between age groups, learning environments and individual needs.
RM plc (LON:RM) is a global EdTech provider of learning and assessment solutions, supporting the full learning journey, from early years through to higher education and professional qualifications.
