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Vesta Children's Services - Independent Children's Homes Procedures Manual

2025

Amendments

2025

July 2025

Safe Use of the Internet, Social Media and Photographs	In July 2025, information in relation to sexually coerced extortion was added into Section 1, Risks.
Safeguarding Children and Young People from Sexual Exploitation	This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.
Monitoring Quality	In July 2025, this chapter was refreshed to add additional information in relation to Regulation 45 reviews and reports.
Staffing and Safe Recruitment	This chapter was updated in July 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets (GOV.UK) in Related Guidance.
Smoking	In July 2025, a link was added to Young People and Vaping (NHS).
Safeguarding Children and Young People and Referring Safeguarding Concerns	In July 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.
Recognising Abuse and Neglect	In July 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.
Holidays and School Trips	This chapter was updated in July 2025 to reflect Granting Leaves of Absence in Working Together to Improve School Attendance statutory guidance, which states that generally, the Department for Education does not consider a need or desire for a holiday or other absence for the purpose of leisure and recreation to be an exceptional circumstance for leave of absence.
Role of Appropriate Adult	In July 2025, this chapter was refreshed and a link added to Guidance: Being an Appropriate Adult - guidance for those who perform the role of ‘appropriate adult’ and for the person benefiting from the appropriate adult's support.
Allegations Against Staff	This chapter was updated in July 2025 to include a link to the Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance Leaflets (GOV.UK).
Child Criminal Exploitation and County Lines	This chapter was refreshed in July 2025.

January 2025

Positive Relationships and Behaviour Support	This chapter was refreshed in January 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.
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.
Surveillance and Monitoring	This chapter was updated in January 2025.
Safeguarding Children from Radicalisation and Extremism	This chapter was significantly 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.
Missing Children	This chapter was updated in January 2025.