Amendments

In February 2025 Section 8, Stage 3 - Review Panels was updated in line with local procedure.

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

In February 2025 this chapter was refreshed.

In February 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.

In February 2025 information on Ofsted checks was added in to Section 5.1, Checks and to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets - GOV.UK. in the Related Guidance Section.

In February 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.

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

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

This chapter was updated in February 2025 in line with Kinship Care: Statutory Guidance for Local Authorities.

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

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

In February 2025 Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness was updated in line with case-law. 1, Planning for Permanence

This chapter was updated in February 2025 with a link to DBS guidance leaflets - GOV.UK in Section 4.4, Concluding the Investigation.