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  Introduction Children’s social care plays a transformative role in improving lives by supporting families, helping children thrive, and offering opportunities for the best life outcomes. It empowers extended families to participate in a child’s upbringing and provides safe, high-quality placements for children unable to stay at home, aiding recovery from trauma, abuse, and neglect. Additionally, it supports the wellbeing of disabled children and their families through early help, short breaks, and long-term care plans. Overview The government prioritises keeping children with their families whenever possible, using evidence-based approaches such as family group decision-making and multi-agency child protection teams to prevent unnecessary entry into the care system. Where care is necessary, kinship and foster placements are favoured over residential care, particularly for children in complex circumstances. Efforts aim to reform the care market by ending exploitative profit-ma...

Domestic Abuse Act Statutory Guidance – November 2024 Introduction Domestic abuse is a cruel, complex issue affecting people of all backgrounds and leaving lasting physical and emotional impacts. The 2019-2020 Crime Survey for England and Wales reported that 2.3 million adults experienced domestic abuse, with most victims being female. Recognising that anyone can be affected, the 2021 Act introduces a statutory definition of domestic abuse and includes case studies to illustrate its various forms. Abuse often remains hidden, affecting victims in subtle and sustained ways. The guidance has been developed with input from sector experts, commissioners, academics, and frontline professionals.   Chapter 1 – Objectives of the Act The 2021 Act aims to address domestic abuse through several key measures: Promote Awareness : Introduces a statutory definition of domestic abuse, recognising economic abuse and children as victims. Protect and Support Victims : Establishes the Domesti...

Introduction The Online Safety Act 2023 introduces laws to protect both children and adults online by imposing new responsibilities on social media and search service providers. These companies must implement systems to prevent illegal activities and remove illegal content. Children receive the strongest protections, with platforms required to block harmful and age-inappropriate content, while offering easy ways for parents and children to report issues. Adults will also be protected, with platforms needing to be transparent about harmful content and give users more control over what they see. Check our sister website: www.kidsonlineworld.com for ways your organisation can support you and your parent / carers.  Ofcom, as the independent regulator, will oversee compliance, issuing guidelines and enforcing rules. The Act’s safety requirements are proportionate, meaning that smaller platforms won’t face the same obligations as larger ones, and both providers and regulators must c...

  What is the SEND code of practice? The SEND Code of Practice is an official guide for teachers / professionals working with children who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). It emphasises a family-centred approach to care and education, covering four key areas: 1.         Communication and interaction 2.         Cognition and learning 3.         Social, emotional, and mental health 4.         Sensory and/or physical needs The Code outlines legal requirements that must be followed by education professionals and provides statutory guidance that should be adhered to unless there's a valid reason not to. Both mainstream and special schools are required to consider the Code, which is published by the Department for Education (DfE) and applies universally, without distinguishing between primary and secondary schools. ...

Introduction The framework outlines ISI's principles and method for inspecting independent schools. It describes ISI's approach to evaluations and how inspections assess and report on the quality of education provided. ISI inspection reports include a clear statement on the extent to which the Independent School Standards and other relevant standards are met. ISI Principles of Inspection ISI's inspection practice is built on four principles: 1.           Manageability : ISI aims to align inspection practices with the school's daily operations to minimise unnecessary workload for both the school and the inspection team. 2.           Collaboration : Inspectors work alongside school leaders and staff, discussing evidence and sharing emerging findings where appropriate. 3.           Triangulation and Typicality : Inspectors evaluate a range of evidence to de...