Amendments

This chapter has been refreshed throughout in April 2024.

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

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

This chapter has been refreshed in April 2024.

This chapter has been refreshed in April 2024, and additional links added in Relevant Guidance.

In April 2024 a new section has been 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.

In October 2023, Section 4, Allergies was added.

This chapter was added in October 2023.

In October 2023 information was added into Section 4, Health Plans in relation to allergies.

In October 2023 information was added into Section 6, Diet, Nutrition and Allergies, in relation to allergies.

In April 2023, this chapter was amended in line with revised statutory guidance Keeping Children Safe in Education. Information was added to note that Keeping Children Safe in Education provides that copies of a curriculum vitae should only be accepted alongside an application form as a curriculum vitae on its own may not provide adequate information. Information was also added in relation to online searches.

In April 2023, a link was added into Related Guidance to Culturally Appropriate (Skills for Care) which has a range of resources to support embedding culturally appropriate care in everyday good practice.

In April 2023, this chapter was amended in line with revised Keeping Children Safe in Education. A new Section 2, The Difference Between an Allegation of Harm and a Concern was also added.