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Amendments

2025

August 2025

Smoking

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

Safeguarding Children and Young People and Referring Safeguarding Concerns

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.

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

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.

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs

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

Role of Appropriate Adult

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.

Staffing and Safer Recruitment

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.

Allegations Against Staff and Volunteers

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

Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)

This chapter was refreshed in August 2025.

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

This chapter was refreshed in August 2025.

February 2025

Notification of Serious Events

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

Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support

This chapter was refreshed in February 2025.

Safeguarding Children from Radicalisation and Extremism

This chapter was updated in February 2025.

Supporting Children and Young People with Disabilities / Health Care Needs

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

Staffing and Safer Recruitment

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

2024

August 2024

Drugs

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).

Smoking

This chapter was refreshed in August 2024.

Female Genital Mutilation

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.

Preparation for Leaving Care

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

Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines

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

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

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