Amendments

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.

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 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 January 2026, a new Section 3, Child Financial Exploitation was added.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2026.

In January 2026, information was added about Pre-application advice on caring for children with complex needs (Ofsted). Section 6.5, Moving and Handling and Postural Care information was updated on the importance for some children of good postural care to reduces their health risks and improve their quality of life.

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

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

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

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).

This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.

This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.

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

This chapter was refreshed in January 2025.

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

This chapter was updated in January 2025.

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