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Amendments

2024

August 2024

Staffing and Safe Recruitment

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

Preparation for Leaving Care

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

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

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

Drugs

In August 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).

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

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

Female Genital Mutilation

In August 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.

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

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

Smoking

This chapter was refreshed in August 2024.

February 2024

Leadership and Management

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

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

This chapter was refreshed in February 2024 and additional links added in Further Information.

Staffing and Safe Recruitment

In February 2024, new subsections were added 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.