Amendments

In January 2025, information was added to Section 5, Checks, with details on how to request information about an applicant from Ofsted.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2025.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2025.

In January 2025, amendments were made to the definition of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in line with further revisions to Working Together to Safeguard Children.

In January 2025, this chapter was updated in line with the Online Safety Act 2023 and information was added into Section 3, Risks in relation to sexually coerced extortion..

This chapter was updated in January 2025.

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

In January 2025, additional good practice information was added on checking of employment history and references.

In January 2025, a link was added to Young People and Vaping (NHS).

In January 2025, information was added into Section 8, Accommodation, Bedroom Space and Sharing in relation to bunk beds.

In July 2024, minor amendments were made to definitions in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children.

This chapter was refreshed in July 2024.

In July 2024, definitions were updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children.

In July 2024, information was added to reflect the reclassification of nitrous oxide as a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (as amended).

In July 2024, Section 3.1, Assessment of Dogs was updated to include XL Bully as a banned breed of dog under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (as amended).

In January 2024, Section 2, Fitness to Provide or Manage the Administration of a Fostering Service was updated in line with updated Ofsted Guidance – Social Care Common Inspection Framework: Independent Fostering Agencies.

In January 2024, a new section was added on Other Harmful Practices. The Health and Care Act 2022 has made it illegal to carry out, offer or aid and abet virginity testing or hymenoplasty in any part of the UK. It is also illegal for UK nationals and residents to do these things outside the UK. Information has also been added on Breast Flattening which is an offence as set out in CPS So-Called Honour-Based Abuse Legal Guidance.

This chapter was added in January 2024.

This chapter was refreshed in January 2024, and additional links added in Related Guidance.