The guidance makes clear that information should be shared not only where there are concerns about significant harm, but also where it may support early help and prevention.   The new duty seeks to remove that ambiguity by establishing that information relevant to safeguarding and promoting welfare should be shared whenever it may assist another agency’s safeguarding functions.

What this means for schools – education sector are explicitly identified as holding vital information that can help identify emerging concerns. The draft guidance recognises that teachers and school staff are often the first professionals to notice changes in behaviour, attendance, wellbeing, health or presentation that may indicate vulnerability, harm or unmet need.

The proposals reinforce the expectation that safeguarding information should be shared proactively with relevant agencies rather than waiting for concerns to escalate. This aligns with the wider direction of travel in safeguarding policy, including the draft Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026 guidance and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026, both of which place increasing emphasis on early intervention and multi-agency collaboration.

Education leaders may therefore need to review local safeguarding procedures, referral pathways and staff training to ensure colleagues understand when information should be shared and how decisions are recorded.

To get involved, you need to read the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

To have your say, follow the link here – Information Sharing Consultation.

The consultation opened on 02 June and will close on 14 July 2026.

WSCP will respond to the need and support via policy review and additional training support once the consultation has concluded.