Safeguarding Policy Review Checklist for Governors

Safeguarding sits at the centre of every school's legal and moral obligations. For governors — particularly the designated safeguarding link governor — the annual review and formal approval of the school's child protection and safeguarding policy is one of the most significant responsibilities on the governance calendar. Getting it right matters not just in principle, but in practice: Ofsted inspectors treat safeguarding as a foundational judgement, not a box-ticking exercise, and they will scrutinise whether governance oversight is genuine and well-evidenced.

This resource is written for safeguarding link governors, chairs of governors, and headteachers who need a structured and practical checklist for reviewing a safeguarding policy before it goes to the board for approval. It is relevant at any point in the year but is especially timely in the summer term, when schools prepare updated policies for the new academic year.

Under Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), the statutory guidance is updated annually and comes into force each September. That means every school's safeguarding policy must be reviewed and updated in line with the current year's edition before the new academic year begins — and that review must be evidenced through governor approval. The September 2025 version of KCSIE is now in force, replacing previous versions; DfE describes the 2025 update as technical changes. A policy that still references the previous edition's language, definitions, or requirements is a possible gap that Ofsted may explore during inspection.

Table of Contents

  1. Why Governors Must Review the Safeguarding Policy Annually
  2. Checklist — What Governors Should Check Before Approving
  3. Full Printable Checklist Summary
  4. What Ofsted Looks for on Safeguarding
  5. Common Safeguarding Governance Gaps
  6. FAQs

Why Governors Must Review the Safeguarding Policy Annually {#why-governors-must-review}

Governor responsibilities for safeguarding are not optional or advisory — they are statutory. KCSIE 2025 is clear that all governors must read Part One of the guidance, and safeguarding link governors should read Annex A. This is not background reading: it is the minimum expectation of every person sitting on a school governing board.

The governing board's core safeguarding duty, as set out in KCSIE and reinforced in the National Governance Association's safeguarding guidance for governing boards, is to ensure that the school's safeguarding policies and procedures are effective, comply with current law and guidance, and are reviewed and updated at least annually. That annual review is not a formality — it is the mechanism through which governors provide the strategic oversight and assurance that the policy genuinely reflects how the school keeps children safe.

The policy must reflect the current academic year's KCSIE edition. Because KCSIE is updated every year, a policy approved in the previous academic year may already be out of date if it has not been checked against the new edition. The September 2025 edition is the current in-force version. DfE describes the 2025 update as technical changes, so governors should still confirm references, definitions and linked guidance are current rather than assuming last year's policy remains accurate. Boards that have not confirmed whether their policy reflects the current edition are carrying a possible gap.

The stakes are high. Ofsted treats safeguarding as a core area of inspection, and an out-of-date policy is cited by Ofsted as an example of a minor safeguarding improvement that inspectors will flag and expect schools to address. While minor issues alone will not automatically determine an inspection outcome, they do signal to inspectors that oversight may be inconsistent.

Checklist — What Governors Should Check Before Approving {#checklist}

The six sections below cover the areas governors should work through before formally approving an updated safeguarding policy. Each section includes practical checklist items that can be used as a prompt list ahead of a governor meeting or a safeguarding policy approval session.

1. KCSIE Annual Update Check {#kcsie-annual-update}

The safeguarding policy must be aligned to the current edition of Keeping Children Safe in Education. Governors should not approve a policy without confirming that this alignment has been checked by the headteacher or DSL.

Checklist:

  • Has the most recent edition of KCSIE (currently the September 2025 edition) been reviewed ahead of the policy update?
  • Does the policy reflect the September 2025 edition of KCSIE, including any technical changes and updated references?
  • Has the headteacher or DSL confirmed in writing (or on record) that the policy has been checked against the current edition?
  • Has the policy version date been updated to reflect the current academic year?
  • Are all references within the policy — including paragraph numbers or section references — consistent with the current KCSIE edition?
  • Has any local authority or Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) guidance been reviewed alongside KCSIE to check for local supplementary requirements?

2. DSL Input and Recommendations {#dsl-input}

The Designated Safeguarding Lead holds the operational safeguarding knowledge for the school and is best placed to identify what, if anything, needs updating in the policy. Governor approval should not be a rubber stamp — it should follow meaningful DSL input.

Checklist:

  • Has the Designated Safeguarding Lead contributed to, or formally reviewed, the policy draft prior to governor approval?
  • Does the policy clearly name the current DSL and all current deputy DSL(s) by name and role?
  • Has the DSL confirmed whether any local authority, safeguarding partner, or Local Children's Safeguarding Board guidance has changed and whether those changes require policy amendments?
  • Has the DSL flagged any safeguarding incidents, themes, or areas of concern during the year that suggest the policy needs strengthening?
  • Has the safeguarding link governor met with the DSL (at least termly, as recommended) to discuss safeguarding matters in preparation for the policy review?
  • Does the governor board have a record of DSL-governor meetings that inform the annual policy review?

3. Staff Training and Awareness Evidence {#staff-training}

An approved safeguarding policy is only as effective as the staff who implement it. Governors have a responsibility to satisfy themselves that staff training records are current and that the policy reflects actual training and induction arrangements in the school.

Checklist:

  • Are staff safeguarding training records up to date, and can the school evidence when each member of staff last received safeguarding training?
  • Does the policy accurately describe the school's safeguarding training requirements, including frequency and the distinction between different staff roles?
  • Is there a clear record of when all staff were last updated on safeguarding, including any mid-year updates following KCSIE changes?
  • Does the policy reflect current induction requirements for new staff, including the expectation that new staff read at least Part One of KCSIE before working with pupils?
  • Has governor safeguarding training been completed or refreshed in the current academic year, as expected under KCSIE?
  • Is the board satisfied that the training being provided is tailored to governance responsibilities, not just a general staff training programme?

4. Filtering and Monitoring Provisions {#filtering-monitoring}

Online safety and safeguarding are closely linked, and Keeping Children Safe in Education requires schools to have appropriate filtering and monitoring in place on school devices and networks. The DfE filtering and monitoring standards set out what schools must have in place, and governors should confirm that the safeguarding policy reflects these arrangements.

Checklist:

  • Does the safeguarding policy (or a closely linked online safety policy) describe the school's filtering and monitoring arrangements?
  • Are the individuals responsible for managing filtering and monitoring systems named or their roles identified?
  • Has the school confirmed that filtering and monitoring provision is reviewed at least annually in line with the DfE standards?
  • Does the board have assurance that the filtering system blocks harmful and inappropriate content without unreasonably restricting teaching and learning?
  • Is there evidence that the leadership team and relevant staff understand and actively manage the filtering and monitoring arrangements in place?
  • Does the policy reflect the proportionality of the school's filtering and monitoring approach to the age range and needs of its pupils?

5. Governor Meeting Minutes and Approval Records {#meeting-minutes}

The formal approval of the safeguarding policy must be recorded clearly in signed board minutes. Vague or incomplete approval records are a common readiness gap and one that Ofsted may examine. Minutes should be specific enough to demonstrate genuine governance oversight.

Checklist:

  • Has the updated safeguarding policy been formally presented to governors at a full governing board meeting (or relevant committee with delegated authority)?
  • Is the approval recorded in signed board minutes that identify the policy by its full title, version number, and approval date?
  • Is the resolution clearly worded — for example, "Governors resolved to approve the [Policy Name], version [X], dated [date], subject to the amendments noted"?
  • Has the DSL's contribution to the policy review been noted in the minutes or in supporting papers?
  • Is there a record of any questions governors asked about the policy and how those questions were addressed?
  • Are the approval records stored securely and accessible for inspection purposes?

6. Publication and Display Records {#publication-records}

Schools should publish their child protection and safeguarding policy on the school website so that parents, carers, and other stakeholders can access it. Under the DfE guidance on what maintained schools must publish online, schools are expected to make certain information accessible, and publishing a current safeguarding policy is widely regarded as best practice and an expectation of Ofsted.

Checklist:

  • Is the approved safeguarding or child protection policy published on the school website?
  • Is the version published on the website the current approved version, matching the version date agreed at the governor meeting?
  • Has someone been assigned responsibility for updating the website version after each annual approval?
  • Is the policy easy to locate on the website — for example, linked from a policies or safeguarding page rather than buried in a document library?
  • Has the previous version been removed or clearly superseded so that only the current policy is available to the public?
  • Is there a record of when the website was last updated with the new policy version?

Full Printable Checklist Summary {#full-checklist}

Use this consolidated checklist before presenting the safeguarding policy for governor approval. Each item represents a possible gap if not confirmed.

KCSIE Update

  • Current KCSIE edition reviewed prior to policy update
  • Policy reflects the September 2025 edition of KCSIE, including technical changes and updated references
  • Headteacher or DSL has confirmed alignment with current edition in writing
  • Policy version date updated for the current academic year
  • All internal references consistent with current KCSIE edition

DSL Input

  • DSL has formally reviewed or contributed to the policy draft
  • Current DSL and deputy DSL(s) named in the policy
  • DSL has confirmed any local authority or safeguarding partner guidance changes
  • DSL-governor meetings documented as part of the annual review process

Staff Training

  • Staff safeguarding training records are current and evidenced
  • Policy accurately describes training requirements and frequency
  • New staff induction requirements reflected in the policy
  • Governor safeguarding training completed or refreshed this academic year

Filtering and Monitoring

  • Policy references filtering and monitoring arrangements
  • Responsible individuals for filtering and monitoring are identified
  • Filtering and monitoring provision reviewed at least annually
  • Arrangements are proportionate to the age range and context of the school

Minutes and Approval Records

  • Policy formally presented to governors for approval
  • Approval recorded in signed board minutes with policy title, version, and date
  • Resolution wording is clear and unambiguous
  • DSL contribution noted in papers or minutes
  • Approval records stored securely and accessible

Publication

  • Approved policy published on the school website
  • Website version matches the governor-approved version and date
  • Responsibility for website update assigned and completed
  • Previous version removed or clearly superseded

What Ofsted Looks for on Safeguarding {#ofsted}

Ofsted treats safeguarding as a foundational area of every school inspection under the Education Inspection Framework. Inspectors do not approach safeguarding as a separate tick-box exercise — discussions about safeguarding are woven throughout the inspection and are informed by documents, records, and conversations with staff, pupils, and leaders.

Possible areas inspectors may explore during an inspection include:

The safeguarding policy itself. Inspectors may check that the policy is current, published, and reflects the in-force edition of KCSIE. An out-of-date policy is identified by Ofsted's inspection guidance as an example of a minor safeguarding improvement. While a minor issue of this kind will not automatically determine an inspection outcome, it signals that governance oversight may need strengthening.

The Designated Safeguarding Lead. Inspectors will typically meet with the DSL to discuss safeguarding culture, how concerns are managed, and whether the school acts on concerns in a timely and effective way. They may ask how referrals are made, what actions are taken, and how the school ensures concerns are resolved. The DSL being named in the safeguarding policy is a basic expectation.

Governor oversight. Inspectors may speak with the safeguarding link governor to explore how governors monitor safeguarding arrangements and provide strategic oversight. Governors and trustees are responsible for ensuring their school fulfils its statutory duties, even though inspectors do not expect governors to personally review the single central record (SCR). Governors should be able to speak to the board's safeguarding monitoring approach, including meetings with the DSL and policy approval processes.

Staff training and awareness. Inspectors may ask how leaders ensure that staff have the knowledge and skills needed to safeguard children. They may ask about induction processes for new staff and how the school keeps staff updated when safeguarding guidance changes.

Culture and confidence. Inspectors look for evidence that safeguarding is embedded in the school's culture — that pupils know who to speak to, that staff act on concerns without delay, and that the school is open and receptive to challenge.

The key preparation for governors is to be able to speak clearly and confidently about how the board oversees safeguarding — not just that the policy was approved, but that the review was genuine, the DSL was involved, training records are current, and the board monitors arrangements throughout the year.

Common Safeguarding Governance Gaps {#common-gaps}

Schools and governing boards that are building their safeguarding readiness should be aware of the following areas where possible gaps most commonly arise:

  • Policy not updated after annual KCSIE revision. The safeguarding policy continues to reference the previous edition of KCSIE after September, meaning it no longer reflects current statutory guidance. This is one of the most visible gaps in a policy review.
  • DSL not named or details not current. The policy still names a former DSL, or the deputy DSL list has not been updated after a staff change. This is a straightforward but important gap to close before approval.
  • Vague or incomplete governor approval records. Board minutes record the policy as "noted" rather than "approved", or the approval resolution does not identify the policy title, version, or date. Vague records make it harder to demonstrate governance oversight.
  • Filtering and monitoring not documented. The safeguarding policy does not reference filtering and monitoring arrangements, or there is no clear record of when these were last reviewed or who is responsible for managing them.
  • Staff training records incomplete or outdated. There is no clear record of when each member of staff last received safeguarding training, or the policy describes training requirements that do not match the school's actual practice.
  • Policy not published on the website, or an outdated version left in place. The website shows the previous academic year's policy, or the policy cannot easily be found by parents and carers visiting the site.
  • No record of DSL-governor meetings. The safeguarding link governor has not met with the DSL during the year, or those meetings have not been recorded. This makes it difficult to demonstrate ongoing board-level safeguarding oversight.

FAQs {#faqs}

How often should the safeguarding policy be reviewed?

The child protection and safeguarding policy should be reviewed and updated at least annually, as a minimum. In practice, most schools align this with the start of each academic year to ensure the policy reflects the in-force edition of KCSIE, which is updated each September. The policy should also be reviewed and potentially updated sooner if there is a safeguarding incident, a significant change in the school's context, or an update to relevant local authority or safeguarding partner guidance mid-year.

Who is responsible for reviewing safeguarding policy in a school?

Responsibility is shared, but distinct. Operationally, the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) is best placed to review the policy for accuracy and alignment with current guidance, and the headteacher typically leads on preparing the updated draft. Strategically, the governing board is responsible for formally approving the policy and providing oversight of safeguarding arrangements. The safeguarding link governor plays a specific role in monitoring and reporting back to the board. All governors share responsibility for ensuring the policy is effective and current.

What is KCSIE and why does it matter for governors?

Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) is the statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges in England, published by the Department for Education. It sets out the legal framework and practical responsibilities for keeping children safe, including the duties of governing bodies. All governors are required to read Part One of KCSIE, and safeguarding link governors should read Annex A. Because KCSIE is updated annually — the current version came into force in September 2025 — governors must confirm that the school's safeguarding policy reflects the current edition each year.

What should governors check about the DSL before approving the safeguarding policy?

Before approving the policy, governors should confirm: (1) that the current DSL and all current deputy DSL(s) are named in the policy; (2) that the DSL has reviewed or contributed to the policy draft; (3) that the DSL has flagged any local authority guidance changes that require policy amendments; and (4) that there is an ongoing record of DSL-governor meetings, which the NGA guidance recommends take place at least termly. Governors should not simply receive the policy cold at a board meeting — the DSL's input should be part of the process that leads to approval.

Does the safeguarding policy have to be published on the school website?

Publishing a current child protection and safeguarding policy on the school website is widely expected and treated by Ofsted as best practice. Schools are encouraged to make the policy publicly available so that parents, carers, and the wider community can see it. The DfE guidance on what maintained schools must publish online sets out a range of publication requirements for maintained schools. Beyond the specific list, making the safeguarding policy accessible is broadly consistent with the school's transparency obligations and Ofsted's expectation that the school has a visible safeguarding culture.

Suggested Next Step

If your school is organising safeguarding policy approvals, board minutes, DSL oversight records, and inspection readiness workflows across multiple folders, emails, and documents, it can be difficult to maintain a clear and current readiness snapshot. Book a governance readiness demo to see how Edvance helps schools organise policy, board, safeguarding and inspection readiness workflows in one structured platform.

Related resources:

Ireland equivalent: Child Safeguarding Statement Annual Review Checklist — Ireland

This article is for general information purposes. School leaders should refer to the current edition of Keeping Children Safe in Education and take professional advice where needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should the safeguarding policy be reviewed?

The child protection and safeguarding policy should be reviewed and updated at least annually, and sooner if guidance, local arrangements or the school's context changes.

Who is responsible for reviewing safeguarding policy in a school?

The DSL and headteacher usually lead the operational review, while the governing board is responsible for formal approval and oversight.

What is KCSIE and why does it matter for governors?

Keeping Children Safe in Education is statutory safeguarding guidance for schools and colleges in England. Governors need to confirm that the school's policy reflects the current edition.

What should governors check about the DSL before approving the safeguarding policy?

Governors should confirm that the current DSL and deputies are named, that the DSL has reviewed the draft, and that DSL-governor oversight records are in place.

Does the safeguarding policy have to be published on the school website?

Publishing a current child protection and safeguarding policy is widely expected and supports transparency for parents, carers and inspectors.