Please note: This article contains language describing child sexual exploitation as it relates to correct usage of defined legal terms. Reader discretion is advised.

KCSiE 2026 significantly strengthens how schools must identify, respond to, and talk about child exploitation. The updated guidance on child criminal exploitation (CCE) and child sexual exploitation (CSE) - at paragraphs 36 to 42 of Part One - introduces clearer language on consent, victim recognition, organised networks and links to modern slavery, reflecting key lessons from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA).

Where the changes appear in KCSiE 2026

Although referenced in paragraphs 36-42 inclusively, CCE and CSE is woven throughout the new statutory guidance, and places more emphasis on context, the language of consent and victim recognition, including:

• The reference to organised networks committing CSE.
• The observation that most abuse is committed by those known to the victim.
• The warning about victims being criminalised for actions taken under coercion.
• The acknowledgement and explanation of the ongoing professional concern about children not understanding the abuse they are experiencing.

What has changed: CCE

The joint definition of CCE and CSE is expanded to add organised networks, gang facilitation and the link to modern slavery. There is now a specific reference to the modern slavery statutory guidance, and a relevant child protection and modern slavery referral should be completed where a potential victim of CCE or CSE is identified.

In the paragraphs dealing with CCE, the framing of consent and victim status has been significantly strengthened. KCSiE now clearly states that it isn't possible for a child to consent to being exploited, abused or trafficked. It also recognises that children may not understand that exploitation is happening to them.

A new footnote defining the meaning of county lines has been added to the CCE paragraphs. This footnote is also linked to the paragraphs on serious violence on pages 172-173.

What has changed: CSE

KCSiE 2026 includes updated definitions related to CSE. Previous references to examples including ‘rape or oral sex’ are updated to correctly reflect the Sexual Offences Act 2003, now referring to ‘rape or penetration with an object'. (See our article: KCSIE 2026: Getting the definitions right.)

The paragraphs on CSE expressly add that exploitation can be committed by organised networks and that most abuse is committed by those known to the victim. It's also expressly recognised that victims of CSE can be criminalised for actions taken under coercion.

The IICSA connection

The final report and recommendations of IICSA highlight systemic issues including attitudes to child sexual abuse, improving the understanding of its scale, empowering children and young people, creating a more protective environment and supporting victims. Some of the important changes of emphasis in KCSiE 2026 regarding CCE and CSE are likely to reflect that learning.

What schools should do now

• Update your child protection policy and procedures accordingly.
• Upskill your staff on the changes in Part One of KCSIE.
• Consider your school culture in relation to victims, including with your wider school community, through your RSHE curriculum and parental engagement.