A groundbreaking reform, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, is set to make significant strides in safeguarding vulnerable children across the UK. The bill, debated in Parliament on Wednesday, 8 January, introduces crucial measures to ensure children receive a safe, well-rounded education and are shielded from exploitation and abuse.
Tackling Vulnerability: Protecting Children Not on School Registers
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill aims to address the alarming issue of children who are not enrolled in school, a growing concern highlighted in the recent Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel Annual Report for 2024. Many of these children are at risk of exploitation, grooming, and abuse, as they fall under the radar of traditional safeguarding systems. By introducing a mandatory register of children not attending school, the Bill empowers local councils with stronger tools to track children and ensure they are receiving appropriate education.
Additionally, the introduction of a unique identifying number for each child—similar to a national insurance number—will help connect and share relevant data between authorities, making it easier to identify children in need of additional support. This new approach ensures that children who may otherwise be hidden from sight can be quickly identified and protected.
Strengthening Safeguarding Systems
In a bid to protect children from harm, the Bill includes stronger powers for councils to oversee home education and make sure children are receiving proper educational provisions. Local authorities will also be required to form multi-agency safeguarding teams that bring together professionals from across sectors to monitor at-risk children, ensuring they are safeguarded against all forms of exploitation.
The Bill will also remove the automatic right for parents to educate their children at home if the child is undergoing a child protection investigation. This ensures that children who may be at risk are not further isolated from safety nets, and that their educational welfare is always closely monitored.
Supporting Parents: Financial Relief and Free Breakfast Clubs
A key feature of the Bill is its aim to reduce financial strain on families, with measures to lower the cost of school uniforms. By limiting the number of branded items required by schools, parents will save money on costly uniforms, with some families potentially saving over £50 per child. This move aims to provide greater flexibility and ensure that all children feel equal, regardless of their family’s income.
The Bill also ensures that all parents of primary school children will have the legal right to access free breakfast clubs, a measure expected to save families up to £450 per year. These initiatives aim to ease the financial burden on parents while ensuring children have the support they need to thrive academically.
Progressing with the Plan for Change
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has affirmed that the Bill represents a landmark step in protecting children and delivering on the government’s Plan for Change. “Our primary responsibility is to protect children, and this Bill represents a vital move in ensuring that every child is safeguarded from harm and given the opportunity to thrive. Through these measures, we will safeguard children while supporting parents and giving all children the best possible start in life.”
A Holistic Approach to Child Welfare
The proposed reforms in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill are set to create a more transparent, efficient, and child-centred education system. As the Bill moves forward, it continues to highlight the importance of a coordinated, multi-agency approach to child welfare, ensuring that children are safeguarded both inside and outside the home.
Key Measures in the Bill:
- Mandatory registration for children not attending school.
- Unique identifying number for every child.
- Multi-agency safeguarding panels to ensure child safety.
- Reduction of branded school uniform requirements to lower costs for families.
- Legal entitlement to free breakfast clubs for primary school children.