Total safeguarding practices not only ensure a joined-up, holistic approach to safeguarding but also support schools and trusts in meeting the statutory requirements set out for . Keep reading to learn more about total safeguarding and how it benefits safeguarding practices. 

Understanding Keeping Children Safe in Education 

KCSIE is the main statutory guidance in England which helps schools safeguard children and young people. The Department for Education (DfE) issues and updates the guidance on an annual basis, setting out the legal duties that education settings must follow to keep children and young people safe. Alongside statutory requirements, it also shares strong recommendations that promote best practice in schools.

KCSIE applies to all staff in education settings, including teachers, trainee teachers, leaders, support staff and volunteers.  

Understanding total safeguarding

Total safeguarding is an approach to safeguarding that promotes a holistic, joined-up effort and encourages people to see the bigger picture. It acknowledges that modern safeguarding challenges are complex and multi-faceted: it doesn’t stop at the school gates and often involves online threats. 

Ultimately, it takes a community, where people work together, share knowledge and combine resources, to ensure effective safeguarding.

How total safeguarding links to Keeping Children Safe in EducationÌý

Adopting a total safeguarding approach supports schools in meeting the statutory requirements set out in KCSIE and is beyond just being a tick box exercise – it is about culture, consistency and visibility.Ìý

We’re exploring a few examples of how total safeguarding gives schools the joined-up processes and evidence they need to demonstrate compliance with KCSIE requirements.

Staff training and awarenessÌý

KCSIE requires that all staff undertake various forms of training and awareness tasks on a regular basis. This naturally ensures compliance but also ensures that staffÌýstay up to date with safeguarding best practices, helping to create a joined-up, whole school culture of total safeguarding.ÌýÌý

KCSIE states that the core training requirements for all staff are:Ìý

• Reading at least Part 1 of the most recent KCSIEÌýguidance

• ´¡²Ô²Ô³Ü²¹±ôÌýsafeguarding trainingÌýand updates

• Induction training forÌýnew staff

• Awareness of abuse indicators

• Understanding policies and procedures

• Training in early help andÌýprofessional curiosity

Recording and reporting concernsÌý

School staff have a responsibility to safeguarding which, ultimately, includesÌýidentifyingÌýpotential risks, responding to information provided by students, and following KCSIE guidelines around recording and reporting concerns.ÌýÌý

Some of the key guidance set out by KCSIE around recording and reporting safeguarding concernsÌýstatesÌýthat schools should:Ìý

• Record all concerns about a child’s welfare and safety, including those that are not substantiatedÌý

• Include the date, time, and details of the concern in their record, as well as the actions taken and any decisions madeÌý

• Ensure that records areÌýaccurate, up-to-date, and easily accessible to relevant staffÌý

• Consider using a digital recording system to ensure that records are secure and easily accessible

Recording concerns inÌýthisÌýmannerÌýhelpsÌýensureÌýa total safeguarding approachÌý–Ìýall relevant staff have access to a centralisedÌýsystem that providesÌýa biggerÌýpicture andÌýgives themÌýcontext to apply to individual concerns they mayÌýobserve.ÌýÌý

Oversight and analysis at school and trust levelÌý

KCSIE states specific requirements for schoolsÌýand trustsÌýaround oversight and analysis. One of the key requirements here is the appointment of a designated personÌýresponsible forÌýsafeguardingÌýand ensuring that policies are effective (see Annex B). There should also be a governor or committee that oversees the schoolÌýor trust’sÌýsafeguarding arrangements.ÌýÌý

These appointments also have the responsibility of:Ìý

• Analysing their school or trust’s policies and proceduresÌý

• Reviewing the effectiveness of safeguarding arrangementsÌý

• IdentifyingÌýareas for improvement and implementing the necessary changesÌý

• Ensuring that all staff are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and that they receive regularÌýsafeguarding trainingÌý

Demonstrating safer recruitment and safeguarding cultureÌý

KCSIEÌýprovidesÌýspecific guidance aroundÌýsaferÌýrecruitmentÌýin schools to ensure that all school staff are vetted prior to employment. ThisÌýcreates a stronger safeguarding culture, where all staff are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities.Ìý

ToÌýdo this, schools must:Ìý

• Ensure that all staff,ÌýgovernorsÌýand volunteers have a thorough background check such as a DBS check before starting employmentÌý

• Verify the identity of all staff,ÌýgovernorsÌýand volunteersÌý

• Ensure that all staff,ÌýgovernorsÌýand volunteers are aware of their safeguarding responsibilities and are aware of the school or trust’s safeguarding policies and proceduresÌý

• Ensure that all staff receive theÌýappropriateÌýsafeguardingÌýtrainingÌýand updatesÌý

• Ensure that theirÌýrecruitmentÌýprocess is fair,ÌýtransparentÌýand free from biasÌý

A school or trust environment where all staff are on the same page about safeguardingÌýopens upÌýa total safeguarding approach – everything isÌýjoined-up and centralised, making it easier to see the bigger picture.ÌýÌý

Ensure KCSIEÌýcompliance with our free Safeguarding Self-Assessment Review ToolÌý

Regular safeguarding reviews are essential for ensuring the safety and wellbeing of students, in line withÌýKCSIEÌýguidance. Our free self-assessment review tool helps schools evaluate their current safeguarding measures,ÌýidentifyÌýpotential risks, and highlight areas for improvement, so you can:Ìý

• Ensure complianceÌý

• IdentifyÌýgapsÌý

• Strengthen a whole-school approachÌý

• Demonstrate commitment to safeguardingÌý

Updated August 2026