Amendments

In January 2026, in Section 6.1, information was added about Pre-application advice on caring for children with complex needs (Ofsted) and Section 6.5, Moving and Handling and Postural Care information has been 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 updated in January 2026.

In January 2026, this chapter was updated with information from the Youth Justice Charter - know your rights in the youth justice system. The Youth Justice Charter sets out what children can expect at each stage of the youth justice system — helping them understand who does what, what their rights are, and what to do if the standards are not met.

This chapter was updated in January 2026

This chapter was updated in January 2026.

This chapter was updated in January 2026 to include information for the Restraint and restrictive practices: positive environments for children – Ofsted: social care.

This chapter was updated in January 2026.

In January 2026, Section 3, Home Remedies was amended to include the increasing advisory role pharmacists play re over the counter medication.

This chapter was updated in January 2026 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.

This chapter was updated in January 2026

In January 2026, this chapter was refreshed, and a link was 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 January 2026, a new Section 3, Child Financial Exploitation, was added to the chapter.

This chapter was updated in January 2026.

This chapter was updated in January 2026.

This chapter was updated in January 2026.

This chapter was refreshed locally in July 2025.

In July  2025, this chapter was refreshed locally where required.

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

This chapter was updated in July 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets (GOV.UK) in Related Guidance.

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

In July 2025, this chapter was updated locally where required.

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

This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.

This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.

In July 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.

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

In July 2025, the Children's Guides were updated.

In July 2025, the Statements of Purpose were updated.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated locally

This chapter was updated locally in January 2025.

This chapter was updated locally in January 2025.

This chapter was updated locally in January 2025.

In January 2025, this chapter was refreshed throughout in line with updated Prevent Duty statutory guidance.

This chapter was updated locally in January 2025.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated locally.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated locally where required.

In January 2025, the Statements of Purpose were updated.

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

In January 2025, this chapter was updated locally.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated locally.

This chapter was updated locally in January 2025.

In January 2025, definitions were updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2025.

In January 2025, a link was added to Education Supply Chains – A Better Hiring Toolkit.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated in line with the Online Safety Act 2023.

In January 2025, minor amendments were made to definitions in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated locally.

In January 2025, this chapter was refreshed locally where required.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated locally.

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