Amendments

In October 2025, Section 3, Home Remedies was amended to include the increasing advisory role pharmacists play regarding over the counter medication.

This chapter was updated in October 2025 to reflect Granting Leaves of Absence in Working Together to Improve School Attendance statutory guidance, which states that generally, the Department for Education does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance for leave of absence.

In October 2025, a new section was added to the chapter on Child Financial Exploitation.

In October 2025, this chapter was refreshed and a link added to Guidance: Being an Appropriate Adult - guidance for those who perform the role of ‘appropriate adult’ and for the person benefiting from the appropriate adult's support.

In October 2025, in Section 6.1, Who the Children’s Home Needs to be Registered With, information was added about Pre-application advice on caring for children with complex needs (Ofsted). In Section 6.5, Moving and Handling and Postural Care, information was added on the importance for some children of good postural care to reduces their health risks and improve their quality of life.

This chapter was refreshed in April 2025.

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

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.

This chapter was refreshed in April 2025.

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

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

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

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

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.

This chapter was extensively updated in April 2025 and should be re read.

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

This chapter was refreshed in October 2024.

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

In October 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).

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

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

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.

This chapter was updated in April 2024.

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.

This chapter was updated in April 2024.