ESFA Update local authorities: 9 September 2020
Published 9 September 2020
Applies to England
© Crown copyright 2020
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/esfa-update-9-september-2020/esfa-update-local-authorities-9-september-2020
1. Latest information on coronavirus (COVID-19)
The Department for Education has published guidance about COVID-19 in educational settings for staff, parents and carers, pupils and students on GOV.UK.
Please check GOV.UK regularly for updates.
2. Information: Keeping Children Safe in Education
On 1 September Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2020 came into force; it is available on GOV.UK.
Schools and colleges must have regard to it. This version replaces both KCSIE 2019 and the ‘for information’ version published on 17 June 2020.
We have made changes in three circumstances. Firstly, where legislation has required it e.g. reflecting mandatory Relationship Education, Relationship and Sex Education and Health Education from September 2020. Secondly, where we have helpful additional information that will support schools and colleges protect their children e.g. mental health, domestic abuse, child criminal and sexual exploitation and county lines. Finally, important clarifications which will help the sector better understand and/or follow our guidance.
A full breakdown of the changes are included at Annex H of the guidance.
It is important that all school and college staff are alert to the fact some children will have suffered harm during lockdown. As well as exposure to things like domestic abuse, online harms and radicalisation children could have broader welfare and or mental health concerns. Part 1 of KCSIE provides all staff a basic understanding of what to look out for what to do if they have a concern. If possible, schools and colleges should provide designated safeguarding leads (and any deputies) more time in the early weeks of the new term to support children and staff.
KCSIE part 1 is also available to view in 11 community languages.