Dorset Children's Homes Procedures Manual

Amendments

2025

Supporting Children and Young People with Disabilities / Health Care Needs	In January 2025, information was added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.
Staffing and Safe Recruitment	In January 2025, a link was added to Education Supply Chains – A Better Hiring Toolkit.
Notification of Serious Events	In January 2025, information was added in relation to Ofsted and CQC Joint Registration Guidance: Children’s Homes and Health Care.
Safeguarding Children from Radicalisation and Extremism	This chapter was updated in January 2025.
Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs	In January 2025, this chapter was updated in line with the Online Safety Act 2023.
Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines	In January 2025, minor amendments were made to definitions in line with Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Recognising Abuse and Neglect	In January 2025, definitions were updated in line with revised Working Together to Safeguard Children.
Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support	This chapter was refreshed in January 2025.

Smoking	This chapter was refreshed in July 2024.
Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs	This chapter was refreshed in July 2024, and additional links added in Further Information.
Preparation for Leaving Care	In July 2024, a link was added in the Further Information section to Ofsted Guidance Children's Homes that Provide Care and Accommodation for Adults.
Drugs	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).
Leadership and Management	In July 2024, Section 2.3, Appointment of Manager was updated in line with updated Ofsted Guidance - Social Care Common Inspection Framework: Children's Homes.
Staffing and Safe Recruitment	In July 2024, new subsections 2.8, Prospective Staff Spending Time in the Home and 2.9, Carrying Out Interviews were added in to Section 2, Safe Recruitment and Employment Checks, in line with updated Ofsted guidance. A link was added to information on DBS Digital Identity Verification Guidance.
Female Genital Mutilation	In July 2024, a new Section 8, Other Harmful Practices was added. 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 was also added on Breast Flattening which is an offence as set out in CPS So-Called Honour-Based Abuse Legal Guidance.