LESAS Child Protection Newsletter 2025-26 edition 6 published

We are pleased to share Edition 6 of our DSL Newsletter, the final edition of the 2025–26 academic year. This edition brings together important safeguarding updates, learning, resources and guidance from LESAS, KSCMP, the Kent and Medway Prevent Team and local and national partners.

View edition six of the DSL Newsletter for 2025–26

Please note: updated versions of Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for 2026 had not been published at the time this newsletter was issued (6.7.26). As the updated guidance is expected to apply from September 2026, LESAS will review the documents upon publication and provide updates to this newsletter edition where necessary. A full summary of key changes and implications for education settings will be included in the first LESAS DSL Newsletter of the 2026–27 academic year.

Must read items:

• Essential reading - updated Kent Support Level Guidance document, including the importance of providing the right support, from the right professional, at the earliest opportunity.
• Action required by DSLs following changes to the LESAS DSL circulation list from September 2026.
• DfE Mobile Phones in Schools guidance is now statutory and should be implemented from September 2026.
• Changes to regulated activity from September 2026, including the removal of the supervision exemption.
• Local Elective Home Education updates, including the EHE checklist from KSCMP.

Other highlights include:

• Information about planned LESAS summer updates to safeguarding policy templates, training and resources.
• Information about updated Ofsted school and early years inspection toolkits for September 2026.
• DfE national consultation on improving help and child protection.
• Information following feedback from the Front Door Service regarding the increased use of AI when writing Requests for Support.
• Online safety resources, including updated LESAS Image Use guidance and policy templates, NCA-CEOP AI-generated image abuse guidance for parents and carers, and support for children with additional needs online.
• Early years updates, including increased no-notice Ofsted visits and new requirements relating to banned dog breeds.
• Prevent updates, including learning from the Southport Inquiry and Prevent and Serious Organised Crime Awareness Week 2026.
• A range of other new or updated national and local resources to support DSL safeguarding practice.

Please feel free to share this newsletter link with your wider teams, safeguarding staff and senior leaders. As always, we welcome your feedback and suggestions for future editions.

If you've missed our previous editions, please access child protection newsletters on Kelsi

The LESAS team would like to thank DSLs for their continued dedication to safeguarding and supporting children and young people throughout the year. We are grateful for your ongoing engagement, partnership and commitment, and wish you a well-deserved, restful summer break.

Contact details

Email: lesastrainingdevelopment@kent.gov.uk