Amendments

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, 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 January 2026, this chapter was updated with information from the Youth Justice Charter - know your rights in the youth justice system. The Youth Justice Charter sets out what children can expect at each stage of the youth justice system - helping them understand who does what, what their rights are, and what to do if the standards are not met.

In January 2026, a new Section 3, Child Financial Exploitation was added. Information was added into Section 2, What is County Lines Offending? Additional guidance was also in Further Information.

In January 2026, this chapter was refreshed throughout.

This chapter was updated in January 2026 to include information for the Restraint and restrictive practices: positive environments for children - Ofsted: social care.

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

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

This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.

This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.

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 a link was added to Young People and Vaping (NHS).

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.

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

In July 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 January 2025, a link was added to Education Supply Chains – A Better Hiring Toolkit.

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.

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.