Amendments

2025

March 2025

Assessment and Approvals of Foster Carers	This chapter was updated in March 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets in the Related Guidance Section.
Ofsted Inspection Framework	In March 2025 a link was added to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.
Children and Young People Aged 0-25 with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities	In March 2025 Section 15.1, Registering an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability) was updated in line with case law.
Local Authority's Sufficiency Duty - Accommodation for Looked After Children (including Guidance in Respect of the Use of Unregulated Placements Out of Hours)	This chapter was refreshed in March 2025 in line with How Local Authorities and Children’s Homes Can Achieve Stability and Permanence for Children with Complex Needs (Ofsted).
Children Involved in the Youth Justice System: Additional National Guidance	In March 2025 links were added to additional sources of guidance.
Health and Safety	In March 2025 information was added into Section 9, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.
Leaving Care and Transition	In March 2025 updates were made to reflect the Homelessness Code of Guidance - Chapter 22: Care Leavers (updated 3 May 2024) which sets out the expectation that authorities should have in place joint protocols which clearly outline jointly held corporate parenting responsibilities for care leavers.
Allegations Against Foster Carers	This chapter was updated in March 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK in Section 3.6 Concluding the Investigation.
Placing and Visiting Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Health Conditions in Long-Term Residential Settings	In March 2025 information was added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.