Amendments

This chapter was refreshed in July 2025 in line with How Local Authorities and Children’s Homes Can Achieve Stability and Permanence for Children with Complex Needs (Ofsted).

In July 2025 information was added into Section 9, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.

In July 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. See Section 8, Joint Housing Protocols for Care Leavers.

This chapter was updated in July 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK. in Section 4.5, Concluding the Investigation.

This chapter was updated in July 2025 to reflect Granting Leaves of Absence in Working Together to Improve School Attendance statutory guidance, which states that generally, the DfE 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 July 2025 links were added to additional sources of guidance.

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

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

Section 15.1, Registering an appeal with the First-tier Tribunal (Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability) was updated in January 2025 in line with case law.

In January 2025, information on Ofsted checks was added into Section 4.1, Checks.

In January 2025, this chapter was refreshed.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2025 and reviewed and updated locally where required.

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

In January 2025, links to sources of further information were updated.