What's new in SIMS
The December release brings new features and improvements to SIMS. See what’s new, what’s changed, and what it means for your school or trust.
SIMS Next Gen – December updates
Single Central Record (SCR)
This update replaces the old SIMS7 version with a modern, unified safeguarding register that keeps schools fully compliant with KCSIE. It centralises and streamlines all vetting and safeguarding checks for everyone associated with the school, not just staff.
What’s new
A complete safeguarding register
The SCR now covers all required roles, including:
- Teaching staff
- Non-teaching staff
- Supply staff
- Contractors
- Governors
- Volunteers
This ensures every mandatory check is captured, recorded and ready for inspection.
Clear, colour-coded compliance status
Checks are displayed using simple colour indicators (green, orange, red, grey), helping Personnel Officers instantly see:
- What is up to date
- What is expiring soon
- What is missing
- What is not required
This removes the need to manually cross-reference external spreadsheets.
Manage all SCR records directly in SIMS Next Gen
Users can now add, update and maintain SCR records for both staff and non-staff roles, ensuring all safeguarding data is stored consistently in one place.
Full export and print options
Generate complete, audit-ready datasets for inspections, internal reviews or compliance archiving – without limits or missing fields.
Flexible, user-friendly layout
Personnel Officers can customise the SCR grid view to suit their workflow:
- Show/hide check columns
- Reorder data
- Focus on the checks relevant to their current task
This helps staff stay organised and work with greater efficiency.
Why it matters
The new SCR provides schools with:
- Stronger safeguarding assurance
- Full statutory compliance with KCSIE
- Greater accuracy and transparency
- Faster preparation for audits and inspections
- A modern system that removes reliance on manual tracking
Statutory Returns
Spring Census now live with Early Adopter schools
This marks the final stage of testing before the general release in the first week of January, when all English schools will be able to complete their Census in SIMS Next Gen.
This is an important milestone ahead of the mandatory move later this year – and a chance for schools to experience a simpler, smarter way to prepare and submit their return.
What’s new
- Everything in one place
All Census data is visible on a single screen. No more switching between reports or hunting for validation information.
- Clear priorities
Sections and sub-sections show exactly how many errors or queries need attention, helping staff focus on what matters most.
- Easy collaboration
Assign tasks, add notes and track progress across the team so nothing gets missed.
- Guided error resolution
Every error includes plain-English guidance and a direct link to the relevant record, removing guesswork and saving time.
- Instant compliance
Any DfE changes are updated automatically, meaning no patches, no delays and confidence that your Census is always up to date.
Why it matters
- One home for every check
- Clear priorities so staff know where to start
- Smart collaboration across the team
- Guided steps for every fix, right when teams need them