Amendments

This chapter was updated in October 2025.

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

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

This chapter was updated in September 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 September 2025, this chapter was reviewed and amended locally where required.

In September 2025, in Section 6.1, information was added about Pre-application advice on caring for children with complex needs (Ofsted).

In September 2025, a link was added to Related Guidance section to The National Protocol on Reducing Unnecessary Criminalisation of Looked-After Children and Care Leavers.

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

In September 2025, a new Section 3, Child Financial Exploitation was added to the chapter.

This chapter was updated in March 2025 to incorporate Ofsted feedback.  

This chapter was refreshed in March 2025.

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

In March 2025, this chapter was reviewed and updated locally.

In March 2025, this chapter was reviewed and updated locally.

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

In March 2025, this chapter was refreshed throughout in line with update Prevent Statutory Guidance.

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

In March 2025, this chapter was reviewed and updated locally where required.

This chapter was refreshed in March 2025.

This chapter was updated locally in March 2025. A link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK was added in the Related Guidance section. 

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

This chapter was refreshed in March 2025.

This chapter was refreshed locally in September 2024.

In September 2024, this chapter was reviewed and updated locally where required.

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

In September 2024, this chapter was reviewed and updated locally where required. A link to Education Supply Chains – A Better Hiring Toolkit was also added.

In September 2024, this chapter was updated locally where required.

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

In September 2024, a link to Ofsted Guidance Children’s Homes that Provide Care and Accommodation for Adults was added.

In September 2024, this chapter was reviewed and amended locally where required.

This chapter was reviewed locally in September 2024 and updated where required.

In September 2024, this chapter was updated locally where required.

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