KCSIE 2026 Annex Changes: A Practical Guide for DSLs
Alongside the substantive changes, the KCSIE 2026 annex changes are an easy-to-miss structural update: the annexes have been renumbered, and the condensed staff-reading summary has been removed. Neither is glamorous, but both have real consequences for policies, induction packs and training materials that cite KCSIE by section.
⚠️ In force from 1 September 2026 — KCSIE 2025 applies until then
This structural summary reflects KCSIE 2026, which replaces KCSIE 2025 on 1 September 2026. The final document was published on GOV.UK on 7 July 2026 — the annex mapping below is confirmed from that text. Use the current KCSIE 2025 annex structure for all live policy references until September. The authoritative source is always the full document on GOV.UK ↗.
Why the Annex Changes Matter More Than They Look
It is tempting to treat structural changes as the least important part of a statutory guidance update. In practice, annex renumbering is one of the most common ways schools accidentally drift out of compliance — not because the underlying safeguarding practice changes, but because a policy, induction slide or training handout still points staff to the wrong section. Combined with the removal of the condensed Part One summary, DSLs have two structural changes to work through before September, on top of the substantive content changes covered in our overview of all 14 confirmed KCSIE 2026 changes.
Change 1: The Condensed Part One Summary Is Removed
Previously, some schools allowed staff who do not work directly with children to read a condensed summary of Part One rather than the full text. Under KCSIE 2026, all staff must read Part One in full. There is no shortened alternative. This is a training and induction change as much as a policy one:
Change 2: The Annexes Have Been Renumbered
The final published KCSIE 2026 (GOV.UK, 7 July 2026) confirms the annex structure has been substantially restructured. Old Annex A has been deleted outright — its content on children missing from education has been folded into Part One. Every remaining annex has shifted up by one letter. The new document contains three annexes compared to the six in KCSIE 2025:
| KCSIE 2025 annex | Subject / content | KCSIE 2026 annex |
|---|---|---|
| Annex A | Children missing from education | Deleted — content folded into Part One |
| Annex B | Further information | Annex A ✓ confirmed |
| Annex C | Role of the designated safeguarding lead | Annex B ✓ confirmed |
| Annexes D, E, F | Online safety; regulated activity; further references | Removed or consolidated — not present as standalone annexes in the published document |
| (New) | KCSIE 2026: Summary of changes | Annex C — new addition in 2026 edition |
The B→A and C→B shifts are explicitly confirmed in the DfE's consultation text. The removal of Annexes D, E and F (rather than a simple reletter) reflects the published final document structure, not the draft — always check the GOV.UK publication ↗ before updating live policy.
For the substantive content that now sits within the affected annexes — such as the new gender-questioning pupils section and the AI and online safety provisions — see our companion articles AI, Deepfakes and KCSIE 2026 and KCSIE 2026 and Serious Violence.
Who Needs to Action This
- DSLs and deputy DSLs — responsible for updating the Child Protection Policy and any documents that cite specific annexes
- HR and safer recruitment leads — need to check annex references in recruitment and single central record guidance
- Training and CPD leads — need to update induction and annual refresher materials
- Governors and trustees — should be briefed that a structural change has occurred so committee papers and terms of reference referencing KCSIE annexes remain accurate
This is also a good opportunity to review your wider compliance documentation alongside the existing KCSIE 2025 compliance guide and the DSL Autumn Term Toolkit, which includes a print-ready policy review checklist.
A Practical Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
Have the KCSIE 2026 annexes really been renumbered?
Yes — and the change is more than just renumbering. Old Annex A (children missing from education) has been deleted entirely, with its content folded into Part One. Old Annex B becomes new Annex A; old Annex C becomes new Annex B. A new Annex C (Summary of changes) has been added. The final document was published on GOV.UK on 7 July 2026.
Why does annex renumbering matter for schools?
Because policies, induction packs and training slides often cite specific annex letters. If these aren't updated by 1 September 2026, staff can be pointed to the wrong section in live statutory guidance.
What should DSLs check first now KCSIE 2026 is published?
Every internal document citing an annex letter — especially references to "Annex B" (further information) or "Annex C" (DSL role) which now correspond to Annex A and Annex B respectively. Also remove any reference to a condensed Part One summary, since that option has been removed.
Where is the official annex structure?
In the full Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 document on GOV.UK ↗ — published 7 July 2026, in force 1 September 2026. A hosted copy is also available via our Professional Portal.
Who to Contact
Safeguarding concerns are not affected by document structure
- Immediate danger: Call 999
- Report a concern (non-emergency): Call 101 or your local MASH — see our MASH contact finder
- Childline: 0800 1111
Sources: Department for Education. Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026. GOV.UK. | DfE. Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025 (statutory guidance currently in force). Last reviewed: July 2026.