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, in Section 6.1, information was added about Pre-application advice on caring for children with complex needs (Ofsted)and in 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 new section was added to the chapter on Child Financial Exploitation. 

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.

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

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

In January 2025, this chapter was updated in line with the Online Safety Act 2023 and information was added into Section 1, Risks in relation to sexually coerced extortion.

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

In January 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 January 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.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2025.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2025.

In January 2025, this chapter has been updated to reflect updated Prevent Duty Statutory Guidance

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

In January 2025, a link was added to Education Supply Chains – A Better Hiring Toolkit and a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK in the Related Guidance Section.