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Amendments

2025

April 2025

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

In April 2025 information was added into Section 1, Risks in relation to sexually coerced extortion.

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

This chapter was refreshed in April 2025.

Safeguarding Children from Radicalisation and Extremism

This chapter was refreshed in April 2025.

Staffing and Safe Recruitment

This chapter was updated in April 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK in the Related Guidance Section.

Recognising and Treating Abuse and Neglect

In April 2025 amendments were made to the definition of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in line with further revisions to Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Notification of Serious Events

In April 2025 information was added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.

Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support

This chapter was refreshed in April 2025.

Allegations Against Staff

This chapter was updated in April 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK. 

Monitoring Quality

In April 2025 this chapter was refreshed to add additional information in relation to Regulation 45 reviews and reports.

Safeguarding Children and Young People and Referring Safeguarding Concerns

In April 2025 amendments were made to the definition of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in line with further revisions to Working Together to Safeguard Children.

Supporting Children and Young People with Disabilities / Health Care Needs

This chapter was refreshed in April 2025. Information was added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.

Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation

This chapter was refreshed in April 2025.

Smoking

In April 2025 a link was added to Young People and Vaping (NHS). 

2024

October 2024

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

In October 2024, minor amendments were made to definitions in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

In October 2024, this chapter was updated in line with the Online Safety Act 2023.

Statement of Purpose

This chapter was updated in October 2024, to include an updated Statement of Purpose.

Staffing and Safe Recruitment

In October 2024, a link was added to Education Supply Chains – A Better Hiring Toolkit.

Recognising and Treating Abuse and Neglect

In October 2024, definitions were updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children.

April 2024

Preparation for Leaving Care

In April 2024 a link was added in the Further Information section to Ofsted Guidance Children’s Homes that Provide Care and Accommodation for Adults.

Drugs

In April 2024 information was added to reflect the reclassification of nitrous oxide as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (as amended).

Leadership and Management

In April 2024 Section 2.3, Appointment of Manager was updated in line with updated Ofsted Guidance – Social Care Common Inspection Framework: Children’s Homes.

Smoking

This chapter was refreshed in April 2024.

Female Genital Mutilation

In April 2024 a new section was added on Other Harmful Practices. The Health and Care Act 2022 has made it illegal to carry out, offer or aid and abet virginity testing or hymenoplasty in any part of the UK. It is also illegal for UK nationals and residents to do these things outside the UK. Information has also been added on Breast Flattening which is an offence as set out in CPS So-Called Honour-Based Abuse Legal Guidance.

Staffing and Safe Recruitment

In April 2024 new sections were added in to Section 2, Safe Recruitment and Employment Checks, on Prospective Staff Spending Time in the Home and Carrying Out Interviews, in line with updated Ofsted guidance.

A link was added to information on DBS Digital Identity Verification Guidance.

2023

October 2023

Allegations Against Staff

In October 2023, this chapter was amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education.  A new Section 2, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern was added.

Health Care Assessments and Plans

In October 2023, information in relation to allergies was added into Section 2, Health Care Plans.

Provision and Preparation of Meals

In October 2023, information in relation to allergies was added into Section 1, Responsibility and Risk Assessments.

Leisure and Activities

This chapter was refreshed in October 2023.

Staffing and Safe Recruitment

Information Sharing

Surveillance and Monitoring

Self-Harming and Suicidal Behaviour

Referrals, Placements and Admissions

Education

Staff Supervision and Appraisal

Emergency Placements and Emergency Reviews

Health Notifications and Access to Services

Equality and Diversity

Searching Children/Bedrooms

Missing Children

Use of Restraint and Physical Intervention

Case Recording

Advocacy, Independent Visitors and Independent Reviewing Officers

Care and Placement Planning

Looked After Reviews and Disruption Meetings

First Aid, Home Remedies and Medication

In October 2023, a new Section 2, Allergies was added.

Risk Assessment and Planning

This chapter was added to the manual in October 2023.

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

Supporting Children and Young People with Disabilities / Health Care Needs

Whistleblowing or Raising Concerns at Work

Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support

Providing Personalised Care

Consultation and Participation

Leadership and Management

Drugs

Recording and Reporting of Accidents

Health and Safety