Amendments

This chapter was refreshed throughout in December 2024 in line with revised statutory guidance.

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

This chapter was updated in December 2024 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK.

In December 2024 a information was added to Section 5, Checks,  with details on how to request information about an applicant from Ofsted.

In December 2024 a link was added to local information in Local Resources.

This chapter was refreshed in December 2024.

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

In December 2024 a link was added to local information in Local Resources.

This chapter was updated in December 2024 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK.

In December 2024 information was added into Section 8, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.

In December 2024 a link was added to local information in Local Resources.

In June 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.

In June 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).

This chapter was refreshed in June 2024.

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

In June 2024, additional good practice information was added on checking of employment history and references.

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

Section 2, Fitness to Provide or Manage the Administration of a Fostering Service was updated in June 2024 in line with the updated Ofsted Guidance - Social Care Common Inspection Framework: Independent Fostering Agencies.

Section 3.1, Assessment of Dogs was updated in June 2024 to include XL Bully as a banned breed of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended).

This chapter was refreshed in December 2023 and additional links were added into Related Guidance.

Section 4, Allergies was added in June 2023.

In June 2023, information in relation to allergies was added into Section 4, Health Plans.

In June 2023, information in relation to allergies was added into Section 6, Diet, Nutrition and Allergies.

This chapter was added into the manual in June 2023.

This chapter was amended in June 2023 to incorporate Ofsted feedback. Additional information was added into Section 2, Positive Behaviour Support and Section 5.4, Recording of Sanctions.

In June 2023, this chapter was amended in line with the revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. A new Section 2, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern was also added.

In June 2023, this chapter was amended in line with revised statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education. Information was added to note that Keeping Children Safe in Education provides that copies of a curriculum vitae should only be accepted alongside an application form as a curriculum vitae on its own may not provide adequate information. Information was also added in relation to online searches.