Amendments

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

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

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

In May 2024, a new Section 8, Other Harmful Practices was added. 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 was also added on Breast Flattening which is an offence as set out in CPS So-Called Honour-Based Abuse Legal Guidance.

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

In May 2024, new subsections on Prospective Staff Spending Time in the Home and Carrying Out Interviews were added into Section 2, Safe Recruitment and Employment Checks, in line with updated Ofsted guidance.
A link was added to information on DBS Digital Identity Verification Guidance.

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

In May 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 May 2024.