Amendments

In September 2024, minor amendments were made to definitions in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children. QI reviewed policy to update following recent Action for Children research and trauma informed responses to criminally exploited children - as well as to removing victim blaming and dehumanising language- added in NRM (National Referral Mechanism) information and advice.

This chapter was updated in September 2024 and replaces the document 'Petty Cash and Finance'.

This chapter was added to the manual in September 2024.

This chapter was updated in September 2024.

This chapter was updated in September 2024.

In September 2024, a link was added in the Related Guidance to Ofsted Guidance Children’s Homes that Provide Care and Accommodation for Adults.

This chapter was added to the manual in September 2024 and replaces the chapter 'Drugs and Substance Misuse'.

In September 2024, new sections were added in to Section 2, Safe Recruitment and Employment Checks, on Prospective Staff Spending Time in the Home and Carrying Out Interviews, in line with updated Ofsted guidance. Links were also added to information on DBS Digital Identity Verification Guidance and Education Supply Chains – A Better Hiring Toolkit.

This chapter was added to the manual in September 2024.

In September 2024, Section 2.3, Appointment of Manager was updated in line with updated Ofsted Guidance – Social Care Common Inspection Framework: Children’s Homes. 

This new chapter was added in September 2024 and replaces the link 'Communications'.

This chapter was added to the manual in September 2024.

In September 2024, a new section was added on Other Harmful Practices. 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 September 2024, definitions were updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children.

This chapter was added to the manual in September 2024.

This chapter was updated in September 2023 to reflect the new language style at the Caldecott Foundation.

In September 2023, information in relation to allergies was added into Section 2, Health Passports.

This chapter was added in September 2023.

Section 4, Reporting and Recording Requirements was updated in September 2023.

This chapter was updated in September 2023 in relation to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse.

This policy was added in September 2023.

This chapter was updated in September 2023 to add information in relation to Philomena Protocols into Section 6, Action to be Taken if a Child is Missing.

In September 2023, this chapter was amended in line with revised statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education. Information was added to note that Keeping Children Safe in Education provides that copies of a curriculum vitae should only be accepted alongside an application form as a curriculum vitae on its own may not provide adequate information. Information was also added in relation to online searches. It was also updated in line with Guidance: Children’s Homes – Recruiting Staff (Ofsted).

These chapters were updated in September 2023 and should be re-read throughout.