Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, also referred to as the Schools Bill, is a proposed piece of legislation aimed at enhancing the welfare and education standards for children in the United Kingdom. This Bill introduces a range of measures designed to safeguard children, support those in care, and improve the overall quality of education.

Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Act of Parliament
Parliament of the United Kingdom
Long title	A Bill to make provision about the safeguarding and welfare of children; about support for children in care or leaving care; about regulation of care workers; about regulation of establishments and agencies under Part 2 of the Care Standards Act 2000; about employment of children; about breakfast club provision and school uniform; about attendance of children at school; about regulation of independent educational institutions; about inspections of schools and colleges; about teacher misconduct; about Academies and teachers at Academies; repealing section 128 of the Education Act 2002; about school places and admissions; about establishing new schools; and for connected purposes.
Introduced by	Bridget Phillipson (Commons) Baroness Smith of Malvern (Lords)
Status: Pending
Text of statute as originally enacted

Background

The Bill was introduced by the Department for Education and is part of the government's broader strategy to ensure the safety and well-being of children. It was first announced in the King's Speech during the 2023 State Opening of Parliament. The bill aims to address various issues, including the regulation of care workers, the employment of children, and the provision of school services such as breakfast clubs and school uniforms.^[1]

Outline

The Bill mandates local authorities to offer family group decision-making for families with children on the edge of care. This initiative aims to improve family-led care plans and enhance information sharing. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for better support for children in care or leaving care, ensuring they have the necessary resources and guidance to transition smoothly into adulthood. It also proposes stricter regulations for care workers and establishments under the Care Standards Act 2000, aiming to improve the quality of care provided to children.

Furthermore, the Bill addresses the provision of essential school services such as breakfast clubs and school uniforms, ensuring that all children have access to these services to support their education and well-being. The bill includes measures to improve school attendance and the regulation of independent educational institutions. It also proposes more rigorous inspections of schools and colleges to maintain high educational standards.

Parliamentary passage

The Bill received its first reading in the House of Commons on 5 November 2024, and its second reading on 26 November 2024, where it was passed with a significant majority. It was then sent to a Public Bill Committee, which debated the Bill and reported it with amendments on 30 January 2025.^[1] The Bill successfully passed its third reading on 18 March 2025, with 382 votes in favor and 104 against.^[2]

It then progressed to the House of Lords, where it received its first reading on 19 March. The second reading was held on 1 May, after which it progressed to the committee stage.^[3]

Reactions

The Bill has garnered support from various health and education organizations, including the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health. Public opinion has also been largely favourable, with substantial support for the measures aimed at improving children's welfare and education standards.^[4]

However it has garnered objections from experts in safeguarding,^[5][6] child development, faith leaders, ^[7][8] parents,^[9] home educators,^[10][11] and children.^[12]