A new addition to the main body of the new Keeping Children Safe in Education guidance (KCSiE 2026) and a corresponding addition to Annex B have added a little clarity to the expected cover arrangements for designated safeguarding leads (DSLs). 

It's worth taking a moment to understand what has changed, what remains the same and what good practice looks like.

The fundamental expectation has not changed. During term time, the DSL must always be available during school hours. KCSiE 2026 retains the principle that availability will ordinarily mean being present in person, while leaving it to individual schools and colleges to define what 'available' means in practice and whether, in exceptional circumstances, remote availability via phone, Microsoft Teams or other equivalent media is acceptable.

What does KCSiE 2026 say about cover when the DSL is unavailable?

KCSiE 2026 then introduces new, explicit guidance on cover arrangements when the DSL is unavailable due to illness, leave or other circumstances. The guidance makes clear that schools and trusts have flexibility in how these arrangements operate, but that safeguarding responsibilities must remain appropriately covered. 

As an example of good practice, the guidance points to a confidential shared mailbox or equivalent system, ensuring concerns can be received, monitored and acted upon without delay, even in the DSL's absence.

In my experience, this is what most DSLs are already doing, so this is likely an example of the guidance reflecting existing good practice. 

Are DSLs required to be available outside school hours?

It’s also worth clarifying that there's no requirement in KCSiE 2026 for DSLs to be available outside school hours or during school holidays; the obligation is explicitly limited to term time and school hours (save for out-of-hours or out-of-term activities where cover would be expected).

Holiday cover: What does good practice look like?

Does that mean DSLs in schools and trusts tend to down tools over school holidays and not monitor inboxes or be available generally? From what I've seen, no, but do remember there's no legal obligation to provide cover during these periods.

A decision to monitor mailboxes and/or be available more generally is often made for two reasons: doing what is perceived as ‘the right thing’ and for the DSL’s own peace of mind. Different models are adopted to provide cover, with some DSLs simply being contactable as needed, whereas others may create a duty calendar for the safeguarding team across a multi-academy trust.

If you would like to discuss how best to provide cover during holidays, please do get in touch and we can talk it through.