The Department for Education (DfE) published a new edition of its statutory guidance Working together to safeguard children in March 2026.1 This 2026 edition replaces Working together to safeguard children 2023.
The guidance outlines what organisations and agencies must and should do to help, protect and promote the welfare of all babies, children and young people under the age of 18 in England.
This briefing outlines the main changes in the 2026 edition, including updates around:
- identifying, understanding and challenging racism and discrimination
- recognising the specific needs and experiences of babies
- understanding the impact of domestic abuse on children and families
- consideration of children experiencing simultaneous harms or multiple harms
- strengthened inclusion of children in care
- the link between online harm and harm experienced in person.
References
Department for Education (DfE) (2026) Working together to safeguard children: a guide to multi-agency working to help, protect and promote the welfare of children. [Accessed 25/03/2026].
