What's new in National Guidance? July-August 2026
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In July and August, the OEAP National Guidance team updated 26 documents. The main changes was bringing guidance in line with key pieces of guidance from the DfE: Allergy Safety in Schools, Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) and Mobile Phones in Schools.
Allergy Safety in Schools
Schools in England are now required to have an allergy safety policy explaining how pupils with allergies will be supported to take part in educational visits. It isn't a statutory requirement in Wales, but it is considered good practice.
These guidance documents have been updated to include the new Allergy Safety guidance.
4.4d Medication - covers adrenaline auto-injectors and nasal sprays.
4.4b First Aid – Updated reference to Allergy Safety Policies, Individual healthcare policies/asthma plans, and consideration of taking spare asthma relievers and adrenaline auto-injectors on a visit.
5.3b How to Write an Establishment Visit Policy – refers to organisational policies, including the Allergy Safety Policy.
6o FAQs: Allergies and Anaphylaxis – added the DfE guidance.
8.1d Example Standard Operating Procedures – allergy policies and spare inhalers and auto-injectors.
Mobile Phones in Schools guidance:
The Government published statutory guidance, ‘Mobile Phones in Schools’ with the expectation of phonefree schools. The guidance included reference to the use of phones and devices on visits stating that schools must determine their own approach and ensure phones do not disrupt the educational experience (read our AdviceONLINE article on this topic)
4.2a Group Management and Supervision - updated the trackers section
6w FAQS: Mobile Phones on Visits - updated to reflect the new guidance.
Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSiE) guidance:
3.2g Vetting and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks – includes KCSiE and references the Crime and Policing Act, regulated activity and home stays.
4.2b Residentials – includes the KCSiE update on mixed groups and overnight accommodation and clarifies that it applies to all schools and colleges in England. It also advises ensuring hotels and hostels prevent access to keys and rooms to unauthorised people.
4.4L Transgender Young People and Visits – now includes KCSiE.
4.4m Young People in a Sexual Relationship – updated to include children not sharing overnight accommodation with the opposite sex.
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Other Revisions:
7.1r Overseas Visits – links to advice on travelling to and through Germany.
6q FAQs: Staff Supervising Mixed-Sex Groups – updated to refer and link to safeguarding.
4.2a Group Management and Supervision - has a revised trackers section.
7.2j Weather and Group Safety – updated to include a new section providing advice on managing additional hazards resulting from climate change.
7.1a Adventure Activities - has small amendments and an updated definition of adventure activities.
Minor word changes were made to 5 other documents, for a full list of new and updated guidance, and details of the changes visit https://oeapng.info/ng-documents-updated/
This publication is a general summary of guidance. It should not replace advice tailored to your specific circumstances. ©️EVOLVE Advice 2026
If you’d like further support on this issue, or advice on other aspects related to educational visits, speak to your Educational Visits Adviser.