Key Online Safeguarding Standards in KCSiE 2025
1. Whole-School Approach to Online Safety
Online safety should be a consistent and integrated aspect of the school’s safeguarding strategy.
Ensure that online safety is embedded across all relevant policies, curriculum planning, staff training, the designated safeguarding lead (DSL) role, and parental engagement initiatives.
2. Filtering and Monitoring Systems
- Schools must have appropriate filtering and monitoring systems to protect pupils from harmful online content. DfE Guidance on filtering and monitoring standards for schools and colleges.
- Implement filtering solutions that prevent access to illegal, inappropriate, and harmful content without unduly restricting educational use.
- Establish monitoring systems to identify and respond to online safeguarding concerns.
- Assign clear roles and responsibilities for managing these systems.
- Conduct regular (at least annual) reviews of filtering and monitoring effectiveness.
- Develop and implement policies for responding to incidents identified through monitoring.
Note: Utilising platforms like the Schools Broadband Filtering and Monitoring and Safeguarding Incident Management Platform can aid in meeting these requirements by providing real-time monitoring, alerts, incident reporting, and analytics to inform policy decisions.
3. Curriculum Integration of Online Safety
Online safety education should be integrated into the curriculum to equip pupils with the knowledge to stay safe online.
- Incorporate online safety topics into relevant subjects, such as computing and PSHE.
Teaching Online Safety In Schools (DfE Guidance) - Teach pupils about the risks associated with online activities, including sharing personal information, interacting with strangers, and accessing inappropriate content.
- Educate pupils on how to recognize and report online concerns.
4. Staff Training and Awareness
All staff should receive appropriate training to understand online safety risks and their role in safeguarding pupils online.
- Provide regular training sessions on online safety for all staff members.
- Ensure staff are aware of the school’s policies and procedures related to online safety.
- Encourage staff to model safe online behaviour and to report any concerns promptly.
5. Parental Engagement
Schools should work with parents and carers to promote online safety at home.
- Provide parents with information and resources on online safety.
- Encourage open communication between parents and children about online activities.
- Offer workshops or sessions to educate parents on current online risks and protective measures.
6. Updates on Online Safeguarding Harms
The KCSiE 2025 guidance has expanded the list of online safeguarding harms to include:
- Misinformation and Disinformation: False or misleading information that can harm pupils’ understanding and well-being.
- Fake News: Fabricated news stories that may influence pupils’ perceptions and beliefs.
- Conspiracy Theories: Unfounded theories that can lead to radicalization or harmful behaviours.
- Educate pupils on media literacy, including how to critically evaluate online content.
- Incorporate discussions on identifying and responding to misinformation and disinformation into the curriculum.
- Provide staff with training on emerging online harms and how to address them effectively.
For comprehensive details, refer to the full KCSiE 2025 Guidance available on the GOV.UK website.
If you would like assistance in planning your school digital safeguarding services, please contact us. We are industry-leading, award-winning experts in Cloud Services, Security, Safeguarding, Filtering, Monitoring and VoIP phone services for schools.
For more information call 01133 222 333 or email info@schoolsbroadband.co.uk