Amendments

In September 2025 the further information and statutory guidance sections have been updated.

In September 2025 information was added from How Local Authorities Can Help Young Carers (Ofsted Blog) and additional resources were added to Further Information.

In September 2025 this was amended and should be reread.

In September 2025 this chapter was updated through out in line with the principles Happy, Safe & Loved, Thriving and should be reread.

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 DfE 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 , in Section 2.1, Additional Considerations Where a Child Has Multiple Needs information was added about how to access pre-application advice on caring for children with complex needs (Ofsted) If you are thinking about opening a children’s social care service for children with complex needs.

In September 2025 this chapter was revised throughout and should be reread.

In September 2025 links have been added to Youth Remand Concordat - Guidance and principles to follow a joint approach throughout the youth remand process for local and national partners and Delivering the best for girls in custody - an independent review into placements and care for girls in the Children and Young People Secure Estate.

In March 2025 Section 17.1, Registering an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability) was updated in line with case law.

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

In March 2025 links to sources of further information were updated.

In March 2025 this chapter was updated and should be reread.

In March 2025 the Slough Children First Whistleblowing Policy was updated.

This chapter was updated in March 2025.

This chapter was refreshed in March 2025 in line with How Local Authorities and Children’s Homes Can Achieve Stability and Permanence for Children with Complex Needs (Ofsted).

In March 2025 updates were made to reflect the Homelessness Code of Guidance - Chapter 22: Care Leavers (updated 3 May 2024) which sets out the expectation that authorities should have in place joint protocols which clearly outline jointly held corporate parenting responsibilities for care leavers. See Section 8, Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers.

In March 2025 Section 1, Principles and Section 2, Normal Frequency were updated, in Section 2, the visiting frequency has also been updated in some circumstances and should be reread

In March 2025 links were added to additional sources of guidance.

In March 2025 information was added into Section 9, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.

In March 2025 this chapter was refreshed and additional guidance was added to Section 7, Children with Disabilities and Long Term Health Conditions.

In March 2025 this chapter was refreshed and additional guidance was added to Section 1, Physical Contact.

In March 2025 this chapter was refreshed and additional guidance was added to Section 1, Introduction.

In March 2025 this chapter was updated and should be reread.

This chapter was updated in March 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK. in Section 4.4, Concluding the Investigation.

This chapter was updated in March 2025.

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

In March 2025 Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness was updated in line with case-law.

This chapter was updated in March 2025 with a link to DBS guidance leaflets - GOV.UK in Section 4.4, Concluding the Investigation.

In March 2025 a link was added to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.