A significant change in Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2026 concerns the safeguarding checks required for volunteers and other adults who may have contact with children.

From 1 September 2026, the previous “supervision exemption” has been removed. Previously, some volunteers working with children could avoid a DBS check if they were appropriately supervised by a member of staff. This exemption no longer applies.

This means schools need to consider whether a volunteer's role constitutes regulated activity. Where a volunteer is undertaking regulated activity, the school should obtain an enhanced DBS check with children's barred-list information.

The change is particularly relevant to regular volunteers, volunteers accompanying residential trips and other adults whose role gives them regular opportunities to work with or supervise children.

For adults who are not undertaking regulated activity, a DBS check may still be appropriate. KCSIE states that schools should consider whether an enhanced DBS check without barred-list information or a basic DBS check is appropriate, depending on the role and circumstances.

Schools should therefore review their volunteer and visitor procedures, DBS arrangements and safer-recruitment policies to ensure that adults working in or around school are appropriately checked and supervised.