Amendments

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

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

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, 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 July 2025, links were added to additional sources of guidance.

In January 2025, this chapter was refreshed.

This chapter was updated in January 2025.

In  January 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.

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

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

In January 2025, this chapter was refreshed.

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

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

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 Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children's Homes and Health Care.