August 2025 SSS Learning eBulletin

KCSIE 2025 - Announcement made by the DfE

This article critiques the 2025 update to Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE), which includes only minor technical changes and delays addressing critical safeguarding issues highlighted in recent audits and consultations. It raises concerns about the lack of clarity, late publication, and added pressure on DSLs, urging the government to act now rather than postpone essential reforms.

2nd July 2025

Understanding emotional neglect in children

This article highlights emotional neglect as a hidden form of abuse and urges professionals to spot subtle signs, build trust, and report concerns early, even without clear evidence.

8th July 2025

Online safety in the early years

This article stresses the importance of online safety in the Early Years, urging adults to build digital literacy early through safe content, positive modelling, and open conversations.

10th July 2025

Safeguarding in the Early Years

This article highlights that safeguarding in the Early Years requires extra vigilance, as very young children often can't verbalise when something is wrong. It stresses the importance of noticing subtle signs, like neglect, unusual behaviour, or emotional distress, and acting early through strong relationships, consistent routines, and shared professional responsibility.

15th July 2025

Financial exploitation- a hidden crisis

This article exposes financial exploitation as a rising form of child criminal exploitation, where young people are coerced into laundering money. It urges schools to improve prevention by listening to youth and delivering more informed, supportive education.

17th July 2025

Understanding the rise of looksmaxxing

This article highlights the rise of looksmaxxing, an online trend pressuring boys to improve their appearance, which can harm self-esteem and lead to toxic influences. It urges schools to support boys through open discussion, media literacy, and early intervention.

22nd July 2025

Understanding the rise of looksmaxxing

This article introduces a new child-friendly safeguarding guide from the DfE, designed to help children understand safety and support through simple language and accessible formats. It encourages professionals to use it to support age-appropriate conversations.

23rd July 2025

The 2025 RSHE Guidance update

This article outlines the 2025 RSHE guidance update, effective from September 2026, highlighting key changes in legal content, mental health, online safety, and parental transparency. It urges schools to start preparing through policy, training, and curriculum updates.

29th July 2025

Separation anxiety and transitions - Why it deserves a closer look

This article highlights that while separation anxiety is common in young children, persistent or intense symptoms may signal deeper issues like trauma or emotional neglect. It urges early years staff to respond with care, build trust, and report concerns to help ensure children feel safe and supported during transitions.

31st July 2025

Embedding a culture of safeguarding- an Ofsted perspective

This podcast explains Ofsted’s focus on a whole-school culture of safeguarding, where safeguarding is proactive, embedded in daily practice, and supported by confident staff, pupil voice, strong leadership, and effective record-keeping.

7th July 2025

What the 2025 RSHE guidance means for schools

This podcast outlines the key changes in the 2025 RSHE guidance, covering legal teaching on sex and gender, mental health, online risks, inclusion, and parental transparency, and urges schools to start preparing now for the 2026 rollout.

21st July 2025

School Refusal

This podcast discusses school refusal as a mental health crisis, urging a shift from blame to support. It calls for early intervention, flexible school responses, and stronger national policies to help affected children and families.

28th July 2025