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Amendments

2025

November 2025

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

In November 2025, a new Section 3, Child Financial Exploitation was added.

Key Principles

In November 2025, a new Section 4, Note on Language was added.

Role of Appropriate Adult

In November 2025, 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.

Safeguarding Young People and Referring Safeguarding Concerns

In November 2025, a new Section 12, Safeguarding for Over 18 Years Old was added.

May 2025

Allegations Against Staff

This chapter was updated in May 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets (GOV.UK) in Related Guidance.

Staffing and Safe Recruitment

This chapter was updated in May 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets (GOV.UK) in Section 3.3, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Checks.

Contingency Plan Policy

In May 2025, the contingency plan was updated. 

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

This chapter was refreshed in May 2025.

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

In May 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.

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

In May 2025, information was added in relation to sexually coerced extortion.

Welcome Pack/Young Person’s Guide to the Service

In May 2025, the Young Person’s Handbook information was updated.  

Health and Safety

In May 2025, information around the Fire Evacuation Plan was updated.

Harmful Sexual Behaviour

This chapter was refreshed in May 2025.

Smoking and Alcohol

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

Statement of Purpose

In May 205, the Statement of Purpose was updated.

2024

November 2024

Consultation and Participation

In November 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

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

Contact with Parents/Carers, Siblings and Others

In November 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Advocacy, Independent Visitors and Independent Reviewing Officers

In November 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Surveillance and Monitoring

This chapter was added in November 2024.

Safeguarding Young People from Radicalisation and Extremism

This chapter was updated in November 2024.

Complaints and Representations

In November 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

May 2024

Female Genital Mutilation

In May 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.

Key Principles

In May 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Drugs and Substance Misuse

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

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

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

Risk Assessment and Planning

In May 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF):  Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Supporting Young People

In May 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF):  Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Mate Crime and Forced Home Invasion/Cuckooing

In May 2024, this chapter was refreshed.

Education and Training

In May 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Health and Wellbeing, Health Notification and Access to Services

In May 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.

Placement and Admissions

In May 2024, this chapter was updated in line with Ofsted Guidance Social Care Common Inspection Framework (SCCIF): Supported Accommodation for Looked After Children and Care Leavers Aged 16 and 17.