ASCL broadly agrees with the proposed updates and welcome the inclusion of current and emerging safeguarding risks and clarity around online safety, financial exploitation and online coercion. Our response emphasises the need for targeted support and training to strengthen school and college confidence.

ASCL supports the positive inclusion of mental health considerations reflecting how concerns often present in school and college settings. This opportunity to strengthen early intervention must be accompanied by improved access to external services. ASCL also highlights the need for boundaries between education and health responsibilities to be clearer.

Despite its excessive length, there are several key elements missing from this draft version of KCSIE 2026:

• There is nothing about adultification or how the experience of racism impacts children and families. Paragraphs 23-27 gives a comprehensive list of types of abuse but does not include racist abuse which meets the criteria of abuse defined in paragraph 23. 
• There is little to indicate the forthcoming changes regarding mandatory reporting of sexual abuse.
• ASCL would like to see RSE made mandatory for 16-18 year olds.
• The need to consider requests for Elective Home Education through a safeguarding lens in line with the recommendation of the review into the death of Sara Sharif is not included. This is now an expectation of Working Together to Safeguard Children and should therefore be cross referenced. 
• Though there is a question on gaming in the consultation, this is not reflected in the draft guidance, nor is there is anything on the impact of gambling on children and young people. 

Full response to consultation