Amendments

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

In June 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 updated in June 2025 with a link to DBS guidance leaflets (GOV.UK) in the Related Guidance Section.

In June 2025, links were added to additional sources of guidance.

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

In June 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 June 2025, Section 4.2, Procedural Fairness was updated in line with case-law.

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

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

In June 2025, this chapter was revised in line with updated government guidance.

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

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

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

This chapter was refreshed in November 2024 and links to guidance updated.

In November 2024 links to sources of further information were updated.

This chapter was refreshed in November 2024.

This chapter was refreshed in November 2024.

This chapter was refreshed in November 2024.

This chapter was refreshed in November 2024.

In November 2024, information on Ofsted checks was added in to Section 5, Checks and References.

In November 2024, information was added to Section 3, Stage One-The Pre-Assessment Process, with details on how to request information about an applicant from Ofsted.

This chapter was refreshed in November 2024.

This chapter was added to the manual in November 2024.