Amendments

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

This chapter was updated in February 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 February 2026, this chapter was refreshed.

In February 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 added in Further Information.

In February 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 February 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 added on the importance for some children of good postural care to reduces their health risks and improve their quality of life.

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

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

In August 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.

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

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

This chapter was refreshed in August 2025.

This chapter was refreshed in August 2025.

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

This chapter was refreshed in February 2025.

This chapter was updated in February 2025.

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

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

In August 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 August 2024.

In August 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 August 2024, a link to Ofsted Guidance Children’s Homes that Provide Care and Accommodation for Adults was added in Further Information.

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

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