Amendments — Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

Proposed amendments

87 amendments across 20 provisions · 87 summarised

New clauses & schedules 20

Amendment #10019344#10019344No decisionNew clause / schedule

Free school meals: automatic enrolment of eligible children

Adds a new clause to automatically enrol children who are eligible for free school meals.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Free school meals: automatic enrolment of eligible children
In section 512ZB of the Education Act 1996 (provision of free school lunches
and milk), omit subsection (2)(b).”

“Free school meals: automatic enrolment of eligible children

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10019418#10019418No decisionNew clause / schedule

Safeguarding framework for requests for withdrawal from school

Adds a new clause creating a safeguarding framework for requests to withdraw a child from school.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Safeguarding framework for requests for withdrawal from school
(1)
A local authority must assess any request from a parent or carer to withdraw
a child from school against a safeguarding framework which is aligned—
(a)
with the authority’s Continuum of Need document, or
(b)
relevant safeguarding thresholds.
(2)
The authority’s safeguarding framework must—
(a)
categorise risks as high, medium or low risk, and
(b)
provide information or guidance on how these risks are to be
ascertained and understood.
(3)
A request to withdraw a child from school must be categorised as medium or
high risk if any of the following conditions are met—
(a)
the child is subject to a current or previous Child Protection Plan, in
particular where the plan identified concerns related to the mental
health of the adult carer;
(b)
the child has a history of severe or persistent absence from school; or
(c)
there is documented evidence of the parent or carer refusing to engage
with professionals historically, including refusal to address safeguarding
concerns.
(4)
Where a request is categorised as medium or high risk—
(a)
the local authority shall conduct monthly unannounced visits to assess
the child’s welfare and ensure they are receiving an appropriate
education,
(b)
the findings of these visits shall be documented and made available to
relevant safeguarding professionals, and
(c)
the local authority shall maintain oversight of the child’s progress and
any emerging safeguarding risks.
(5)
The parent or carer of the child may not refuse or impede—
(a)
an assessment carried out under subsection (1); or
(b)
any action taken under subsection (4).
(6)
The Secretary of State must provide guidance to local authorities on criteria
for risk assessments.”

“Safeguarding framework for requests for withdrawal from school

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10019865#10019865No decisionNew clause / schedule

Establishment of a national school food monitoring scheme

Adds a new clause to establish a national school food monitoring scheme.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Establishment of national school food monitoring scheme
(1)
Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must institute
a scheme for monitoring school food standards in England (‘the national school
food monitoring scheme’).
(2)
The purpose of the national school food monitoring scheme will be to
determine whether applicable food standards duties are being met in the
provision of all food in schools in England.
(3)
The national school food monitoring scheme may from time to time publish
reports containing such information as it sees fit relating to school food
standards in England.”

“Establishment of national school food monitoring scheme

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10019866#10019866No decisionNew clause / schedule

Registration of children for free school meals

Adds a new clause on the registration of children for free school meals.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Registration of children for free school meals
After section 512ZA of the Education Act 1996 (power to charge for meals
etc.), insert—
“512ZAA Registration of children for free school meals
The Secretary of State must ensure that free school meals are provided
to—
(a)
all children in England who are eligible to receive free school
meals; and
(b)
all children whose household income is less than £20,000 per
year.””

“Registration of children for free school meals

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020033#10020033No decisionNew clause / schedule

VAT zero-rating for certain items of school uniform

Adds a new clause to apply VAT zero-rating to certain items of school uniform.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“VAT zero-rating for certain items of school uniform
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within 6 months of the passing of this Act, make
provision for certain items of school uniform to be zero-rated for the purposes
of VAT.
(2)
For the purposes of this section, “certain items of school uniform” means items
of school uniform for pupils up to the age of 16.”

“VAT zero-rating for certain items of school uniform

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020034#10020034No decisionNew clause / schedule

Duty of school governing bodies regarding mental health provision

Adds a new clause placing a duty on school governing bodies regarding mental health provision.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Duty of school governing bodies regarding mental health provision
(1)
Subject to subsection (3), the governing body of a maintained or academy
school in England has a duty to make arrangements for provision in the school
of a dedicated mental health practitioner.
(2)
In subsection (1), “education mental health practitioner” means a person with
a graduate-level or postgraduate-level qualification of that name earned
through a course commissioned by NHS England.
(3)
Where a school has 100 or fewer pupils, the duty under subsection (1) may be
satisfied through collaborative provision between several schools.
(4)
The Secretary of State must provide, or make arrangements for the provision
of, appropriate financial and other support to school governing bodies for
their purposes of facilitating the fulfilling of the duty in subsection (1).”

“Duty of school governing bodies regarding mental health provision

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020036#10020036No decisionNew clause / schedule

Establishment of a National Body for SEND

Adds a new clause to establish a National Body for SEND.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Establishment of a National Body for SEND
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act,
establish a National Body for SEND.
(2)
The functions of the National Body for SEND will include, but not be limited
to—
(a)
national coordination of SEND provision;
(b)
supporting the delivery of SEND support for children with very high
needs; and
(c)
advising on funding needed by local authorities for SEND provision.
(3)
Any mechanism used by the National Body for SEND in advising on funding
under subsection (2)(c) should be based on current need and may disregard
historic spend.”

“Establishment of a National Body for SEND

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020037#10020037No decisionNew clause / schedule

National Tutoring Guarantee

Adds a new clause establishing a National Tutoring Guarantee.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“National Tutoring Guarantee
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within six months of the passing of this Act, publish
a report outlining the steps necessary to introduce a National Tutoring
Guarantee.
(2)
A “National Tutoring Guarantee” means a statutory requirement on the
Secretary of State to ensure access to small group academic tutoring for all
disadvantaged children who require academic support.
(3)
A report published under this section must include an assessment of how best
to deliver targeted academic support from qualified tutors to children—
(a)
from low-income backgrounds,
(b)
with low prior attainment,
(c)
with additional needs, or
(d)
who are young carers.
(4)
In preparing a report under this section, the Secretary of State must consult
with—
(a)
headteachers,
(b)
teachers,
(c)
school leaders,
(d)
parents of children from low-income backgrounds,
(e)
children from low-income backgrounds, and
(f)
other individuals or organisations as the Secretary of State considers
appropriate.
(5)
A report under this section must be laid before Parliament.
(6)
Within three months of a report under this section being laid before Parliament,
the Secretary of State must take steps to implement the recommendations
contained in the report.”

“National Tutoring Guarantee

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020277#10020277No decisionNew clause / schedule

Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education in assemblies

Adds a new clause on spiritual, moral, social and cultural education in assemblies.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education in assemblies
(1)
The School Standards and Framework Act 1998 is amended as follows.
(2)
In section 70 (requirements relating to collective worship)—
(a)
for subsection (1) substitute—
“(1)
Subject to section 71, each pupil in attendance at—
(a)
a community, foundation or voluntary school in Wales,
(b)
a foundation or voluntary school in England which is
designated with a religious character, or
(c)
an Academy in England which is designated with a
religious character,
must on each school day take part in an act of collective
worship.”
(b)
in subsection (2), for “community, foundation or voluntary school”,
substitute “school to which subsection (1) applies”.
(3)
After section 70, insert—
“70A Requirements relating to assemblies
(1)
This section applies to schools in England that are—
(a)
maintained schools without a religious character;
(b)
non-maintained special schools;
(c)
City Technology Colleges; and
(d)
Academies without a religious character.
(2)
Each pupil in attendance at a school to which this section applies must,
at least once during the school week, take part in an assembly which
is principally directed towards furthering the spiritual, moral, social and
cultural education of the pupils, regardless of religion or belief.
(3)
In relation to any school to which this section applies—
(a)
the local authority responsible for education (in the case of
maintained schools) and the governing body must exercise their
functions with a view to securing, and
(b)
the head teacher must secure,
that subsection (2) is complied with.””

“Spiritual, moral, social and cultural education in assemblies

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020436#10020436No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: establishment of new schools — data protection

Proposes a new clause on data protection in relation to the establishment of new schools.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Establishment of new schools: data protection
After section 30 of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 insert—
“30A Data protection
(1)
None of the provisions in or made by virtue of this Part (including
Schedule 2) are to be read as requiring or authorising the processing
of information which would contravene the data protection legislation
(but in determining whether the processing would do so, take into
account the duty imposed or the power conferred by the provision in
question).
(2)
In this section, “the data protection legislation” and “processing” have
the same meaning as in the Data Protection Act 2018 (see section 3 of
that Act).””

“Establishment of new schools: data protection

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020445#10020445No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: cap on new faith schools’ admissions

Proposes a new clause capping admissions at new faith schools.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Cap on new faith schools’ admissions
(1)
Any school or academy established more than two months after the passing
of this Act which—
(a)
is of a religious character, and
(b)
is selective on the basis of faith,
must adopt admissions criteria which provide that, where the school is
oversubscribed, at least 50% of the places available each year are allocated
without reference to faith-based criteria.
(2)
Subsection (1) does not apply to an academy established as a result of a
maintained school being converted into an academy under section 4 of the
Academies Act 2010, except where the converted maintained school was—
(a)
of a religious character, and
(b)
selective on the basis of faith prior to conversion.”

“Cap on new faith schools’ admissions

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020446#10020446No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: RSE and PSHE for under-18s at FE providers

Proposes a new clause requiring relationships and sex education and PSHE for under-18s at further education providers.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Provision of relationships and sex education and PSHE to persons who have
not attained the age of 18 at further education providers
(1)
The Children and Social Work Act 2017 is amended as follows.
(2)
In section 34 (Education relating to relationships and sex)—
(a)
at the end of subsection (1)(b) insert “and
(c)
relationships and sex education to be provided to persons
who have not attained the age of eighteen and who are
receiving education at post-16 education institutions in
England”;
(b)
in subsection (2)(a), after “schools” insert “and further education
providers”;
(c)
in subsection (2)(b), after “schools” insert “and further education
providers”;
(d)
in subsection (2)(c), after “schools” insert “and further education
providers”.
(3)
In section 35 (Other personal, social, health and economic education)—
(a)
at the end of subsection (1)(b) insert “and
(c)
to persons who have not attained the age of eighteen
and who are receiving education at post-16 education
institutions in England”;
(b)
in subsection (2)(a), after “schools” insert “and further education
providers”;
(c)
in subsection (2)(b), after “schools” insert “and further education
providers”;
(d)
in subsection (2)(c), after “schools” insert “and further education
providers”.”

“Provision of relationships and sex education and PSHE to persons who have not attained the age of 18 at further education providers

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020473#10020473No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: Power to prescribe pay and conditions for teachers

Proposes a new clause giving a power to prescribe pay and conditions for teachers.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Power to prescribe pay and conditions for teachers
The Secretary of State must, within three months of the passing of this Act—
(a)
make provision for the power of the governing bodies of maintained
schools to set the pay and working conditions of school teachers to be
made equivalent with the relevant powers of academies;
(b)
provide guidance to all applicable schools that—
(i)
pay levels given in the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions
Document are to be treated as the minimum pay of relevant
teachers;
(ii)
teachers may be paid above the pay levels given in the School
Teachers’ Pay and Conditions Document;
(iii)
they must have regard to the School Teachers’ Pay and Conditions
Document but may vary from it.”

Power to prescribe pay and conditions for teachers

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020487#10020487No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: Right to review school curriculum material

Proposes a new clause giving a right to review school curriculum material.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Right to review school curriculum material
Where requested by the parent or carer of a child on the school’s pupil roll, a
school must allow such persons to view all materials used in the teaching of
the school curriculum, including those provided by external, third-party,
charitable or commercial providers.”

Right to review school curriculum material

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020492#10020492No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: Approved free schools and university training colleges in pre-opening

Proposes a new clause on approved free schools and university training colleges in the pre-opening stage.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Approved free schools and university training colleges in pre-opening
The Secretary of State must make provision for the opening of all free schools
and university training colleges whose applications were approved prior to
October 2024.”

Approved free schools and university training colleges in pre-opening

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020498#10020498No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: Collect and publish data on summer-born children

Proposes a new clause requiring collection and publication of data relating to summer-born children.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Collection and publication of data relating to summer-born children
(1)
A local authority must collect and publish data on—
(a)
the number and proportion of summer-born children who started school
in the local authority’s area outside of their normal age group—
(i)
with EHC plans, and
(ii)
without EHC plans
(b)
the number and proportion of summer-born children—
(i)
with EHC plans, and
(ii)
without EHC plans
who started school in the local authority’s area outside of their normal
age group and who have been required to join their normal age group;
(c)
the number and proportion of summer-born children with EHC plans
who started school in the local authority’s area outside of their normal
age group and who have been required to join their normal age group
in a—
(i)
special school;
(ii)
mainstream school.
(2)
The Secretary of State must annually—
(a)
conduct a statistical analysis of, and
(b)
publish a report on the data collected by local authorities under
subsection (1).”

Collection and publication of data relating to summer-born children

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020514#10020514No decisionNew clause / schedule

New clause: Free school lunches for all primary school children

Proposes a new clause providing free school lunches to all primary school children.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Provision of free school lunches to all primary school children
(1)
Section 512ZB of the Education Act 1996 (provision of free school lunches and
milk) is amended as follows.
(2)
In paragraph (4A)(b), after "year 2," insert "year 3, year 4, year 5, year 6".
(3)
In subsection (4C), after “age of 7;" insert—
“Year 3” means a year group in which the majority of children will, in the
school year, attain the age of 8;
“Year 4” means a year group in which the majority of children will, in the
school year, attain the age of 9;
“Year 5” means a year group in which the majority of children will, in the
school year, attain the age of 10;
“Year 6” means a year group in which the majority of children will, in the
school year, attain the age of 11;”

Provision of free school lunches to all primary school children

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020517#10020517No decisionNew clause / schedule

Add guidance on admitting summer-born children with EHC plans

Inserts a new clause requiring guidance on the school admission of summer-born children who have an Education, Health and Care plan.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Guidance on the admission of summer-born children with EHC plans
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, publish
guidance for local authorities and school admissions authorities on the
admission of summer-born children with education, health and care plans.
(2)
Guidance published under this section must—
(a)
detail the factors which must be taken into account when considering
a request for a summer born child with an EHC plan to be placed outside
of their normal age group;
(b)
include a presumption that requests relating to the placement or
admission of summer-born children with EHC plans should be considered
on no less favourable terms than requests relating to summer-born
children without EHC plans; and
(c)
outline circumstances when it may, or may not, be appropriate for a
child who has been placed outside of their normal age group to be
moved to join their normal age group , with a presumption that such
a placement should be no less favourable terms than placements relating
to summer-born children without EHC plans;
(d)
detail how parents may object to the placing of their child with their
normal age group, and the process by which such objections will be
considered.
(3)
In developing guidance under this section, the Secretary of State must consult
with—
(a)
groups representing the interests of parents;
(b)
individuals and organisations with expertise in supporting children with
special educational needs and the parents of such children;
(c)
other such parties as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(4)
For the purposes of this section, “summer-born children” means children born
between 1 April and 31 August.”

Guidance on the admission of summer-born children with EHC plans

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020520#10020520No decisionNew clause / schedule

Require schools to report acts of violence against staff to the police

Inserts a new clause placing a duty on schools to report acts of violence against their staff to the police.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Duty for schools to report acts of violence against staff to the police
(1)
Where an act listed in subsection (2) takes place which involves the use or
threat of force against a member of a school’s staff, the school must report
the incident to the police.
(2)
An act must be reported to the police where—
(a)
it is directed towards a member of school staff or their property; and
(b)
it takes place—
(i)
on school property; or
(ii)
because of the victim’s status as a member of a school’s staff.
(3)
The provisions of this section do not require or imply a duty on the police to
take specific actions in response to such reports.”

Duty for schools to report acts of violence against staff to the police

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10020521#10020521No decisionNew clause / schedule

Require a review of the impact on home educators and of unnecessary reporting

Inserts a new clause requiring a review of the Bill's impact on home educators and the reduction of unnecessary reporting.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

To move the following Clause—
“Review of Impact on Home Educators and Reduction of Unnecessary Reporting
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within six months of the day on which this Act is
passed, conduct a review and report of the impact of clause 26 on home
educators in England.
(2)
The review must include an assessment of
(a)
the administrative and reporting requirements placed on home
educators as a result of clause 26;
(b)
the administrative and reporting requirements placed on local
authorities as a result of clause 26;
(c)
the extent to which such requirements are necessary for safeguarding
purposes; and
(d)
any data or reporting obligations that can be reduced or removed for
home educators where they are not essential for safeguarding.
(3)
The Secretary of State must lay a report before Parliament setting out the
findings of the review, including—
(a)
an analysis of the impact of clause 26 on home educators;
(b)
a clear outline of any data or reporting obligations that will no longer
be required from home educators; and
(c)
a timeline for the removal of unnecessary reporting obligations, which
must not exceed 12 months from the publication of the report.
(4)
In conducting the review, the Secretary of State must consult with
representatives of home educators and relevant stakeholders.
(5)
The report must be made publicly available.
(6)
The Secretary of State must ensure that any reporting obligations identified
as unnecessary under subsection (3)(b) are removed within the timeframe
specified in subsection (3)(c).”

Review of Impact on Home Educators and Reduction of Unnecessary Reporting

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule

Clause 1 7

Amendment #10022578#10022578WithdrawnNew clause / schedule

New clause: statement of the Bill's purpose

Inserts a new clause before Clause 1 setting out the purpose of the Bill.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Before Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—
“Purpose
(1)
The purpose of this Act is to—
(a)
improve the safety and wellbeing of children;
(b)
improve the regulation of children’s homes, fostering agencies and other
settings where looked after children are accommodated;
(c)
improve safety and standards and remove barriers to opportunity in
schools in England and Wales;
(d)
make provision regarding children not in school.”

“Purpose

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 1

Amendment #10022696#10022696WithdrawnAmends text

Trigger a family group decision-making meeting when child protection proceedings start

Would require a local authority to offer a family group decision-making meeting to parents or others with parental responsibility when it starts formal child protection proceedings.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 1, page 1, leave out lines 7 to 10 and insert—
“(1)
When a local authority starts formal child protection proceedings in relation
to a child, the authority must offer a family group decision-making meeting
to the child’s parents or any other person with parental responsibility for
the child.”

~~(lines 7–10)~~ —
“(1) When a local authority starts formal child protection proceedings in relation to a child, the authority must offer a family group decision-making meeting to the child’s parents or any other person with parental responsibility for the child.”

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 1

Amendment #10022697#10022697WithdrawnAmends text

Require an evidence-based approach and trained coordinator for family group meetings

Would require family group decision-making meetings to follow an evidence-based approach with an independent, suitably trained coordinator, including in relation to domestic abuse.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 1, page 1, line 10, at end insert—
“(1A)
The family group decision-making meeting, or meetings, must follow an
evidence based approach including the appointment of an independent and
suitably trained coordinator, including in relation to domestic abuse.”

“(1A) The family group decision-making meeting, or meetings, must follow an evidence based approach including the appointment of an independent and suitably trained coordinator, including in relation to domestic abuse.”

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 1

Amendment #10022708#10022708WithdrawnAmends text

Offer a family group meeting during private law proceedings

Would require a local authority to offer a family group decision-making meeting when a family is going through private law proceedings.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 1, page 1, line 10, at end insert—
“(1A)
A family group decision-making meeting must be offered by the relevant
local authority when a family is going through private law proceedings.”

“(1A) A family group decision-making meeting must be offered by the relevant local authority when a family is going through private law proceedings.”

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 1

Amendment #10022909#10022909WithdrawnAmends text

Widen who may be consulted in family group decision-making

Replaces wording in Clause 1 to include any other person with parental responsibility, or the child if they have reached 16.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 1, page 1, line 9, leave out from “parents” to the end of line 10 and insert “and any
other person with parental responsibility for the child, or the child, if they have reached
the age of 16.”

~~parents~~ and any other person with parental responsibility for the child, or the child, if they have reached the age of 16.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 1

Amendment #10029827#10029827WithdrawnAmends text

Add “family group conference” alongside the decision-making meeting

Would amend Clause 1 to insert “, or family group conference,” after the reference to a family group decision-making meeting.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 1, page 1, line 9, after “meeting” insert “, or family group conference,”

… “, or family group conference,”

Stage: Report stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 1

Amendment #10029828#10029828Not movedAmends text

Require family group decision-making meetings to be evidence-based

Would add a subsection to Clause 1 requiring the family group decision-making meeting(s) to follow an evidence-based approach.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 1, page 1, line 10, at end insert—
“(1A)
The family group decision-making meeting, or meetings, must follow an
evidence-based approach.”

… “(1A) The family group decision-making meeting, or meetings, must follow an evidence-based approach.”

Stage: Report stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 1

Clause 21 6

Amendment #10018345#10018345No decisionAmends text

Require schools to consider alternative breakfast provision before applying

Adds a step requiring a relevant school to consider whether the breakfast-club duty could be met by alternative forms of breakfast provision before making an application.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 21, page 42, line 38, at end insert—
“(2A)
Before making an application under subsection (1), the appropriate authority
of a relevant school must consider whether the duty can be met by alternative
forms of breakfast provision.
(2B)
“Alternative forms of breakfast provision” may include—
(a)
classroom-based provision, or
(b)
takeaway provision, at school or at a proximate site.”

(2A) Before making an application under subsection (1), the appropriate authority of a relevant school must consider whether the duty can be met by alternative forms of breakfast provision.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 21

Amendment #10018346#10018346No decisionAmends text

Extend free breakfast provision to all pupils at special schools

Widens the breakfast-club entitlement so it also covers all pupils attending special schools.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 21, page 41, line 10, at end insert “and for all pupils attending special schools”

and for all pupils attending special schools

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 21

Amendment #10018348#10018348No decisionAmends text

Add a duty to promote supplementary models of breakfast provision

Inserts a new section 551CA placing a duty to promote supplementary models of provision.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 21, page 43, line 16, at end insert—
“551CA Promotion of supplementary models of provision
(1)
The Secretary of State must promote and support the development of
supplementary models of breakfast club provision where appropriate.
(2)
Supplementary models may include—
(a)
classroom based provision;
(b)
takeaway provision; or
(c)
nurture group services.”

551CA Promotion of supplementary models of provision

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 21

Amendment #10018350#10018350No decisionAmends text

Condition the breakfast duty on alternatives having been considered

Adds a condition that the Secretary of State must be satisfied the school has fully considered alternative forms of breakfast provision under subsection (2A).

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 21, page 43, line 8, at end insert “and if the condition in subsection (4A) is met.
“(4A)
The condition is that the Secretary of State is satisfied that the appropriate
authority of a relevant school has fully considered alternative forms of breakfast
provision in accordance with subsection (2A).”

and if the condition in subsection (4A) is met.
“(4A) The condition is that the Secretary of State is satisfied that the appropriate authority of a relevant school has fully considered alternative forms of breakfast provision in accordance with subsection (2A).”

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 21

Amendment #10018351#10018351No decisionAmends text

Add the new section 551CA duty to the matters to be reported on

Adds the discharge of the Secretary of State's duty under section 551CA to the list of matters covered.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 21, page 43, line 24, at end insert—
“(d)
the discharge of the Secretary of State’s duty under section 551CA.”

(d) the discharge of the Secretary of State’s duty under section 551CA.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 21

Amendment #10018352#10018352No decisionAmends text

Define "special school" for the breakfast provision

Adds a definition giving "special school" the meaning in section 337 of the Education Act 1996.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 21, page 42, line 9, at end insert—
“”special school” has the meaning given by section 337 of the Education Act
1996.”

”special school” has the meaning given by section 337 of the Education Act 1996.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 21

Clause 27 8

Amendment #10027477#10027477Withdrawn before debateAmends text

Insert a new clause after Clause 27 (withdrawn)

A new clause to be inserted after Clause 27; withdrawn before debate, with no further text provided.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—
“Action to promote the wellbeing of children in relation to harms-based access
to social media
In section 11 of the Online Safety Act 2023 (children’s risk assessment duties),
after subsection (6) insert—
“(6A)
Providers of regulated user-to-user services that are likely to be accessed
by children, including such services as are designated by OFCOM as social
media services for the purposes of this section, must submit as part of the
children’s risk assessment a proposed minimum age of access to their
service.
(6B)
The default and expected minimum age for access to a social media
platform shall be 16 years.
(6C)
OFCOM must publish guidance defining the types of service to be treated
as social media services for the purposes of subsection (6A).
(6D)
Providers of regulated user-to-user services that are likely to be accessed
by children and social media services designated for the purposes of this
section must keep the proposed minimum age of access under review and
must re-evaluate it—
(a)
at such regular intervals as may be specified by OFCOM; and
(b)
where there is any substantial change to the service’s design,
functionality, algorithms, business practices, or risk profile.
(6E)
Where the minimum age of access is set at 16 or below, providers must
use a form of age assurance that is highly effective at correctly determining
whether or not a particular user is of age to use the service.
(6F)
A provider may propose a minimum age of access above or below 16
where it—
(a)
can offer sufficient evidence that it meets Ofcom’s guidance
concerning appropriate, risk-based minimum ages;
(b)
has due regard to relevant standards and principles of the UK
General Data Protection Regulation;
(c)
has particular regard to the importance of protecting the rights and
best interests of children, as recognised by the United Nations
Convention on the Rights of the Child;
(d)
has considered the potential impact of the service on the mental
health and psychological wellbeing of children;
(e)
has investigated the extent to which the service’s design,
functionalities, or features may encourage addictive or compulsive
use; and
(f)
has considered and reviewed the use of algorithms for content
recommendation, amplification, or targeted advertising.
(6G)
In assessing a proposed minimum age under this section, Ofcom must
have regard to—
(a)
the children’s risk assessment submitted by the provider;
(b)
Ofcom’s existing risk and harms framework under this Act;
(c)
the potential impact of the service on the mental health and
psychological wellbeing of children;
(d)
the extent to which the service’s design, functionalities, or features
may encourage addictive or compulsive use; and
(e)
the use of algorithms for content recommendation, amplification,
or targeted advertising.
(6H)
Ofcom must produce guidance setting out—
(a)
the evidential requirements for children’s risk assessments relating
to minimum age determinations;
(b)
the criteria by which Ofcom will assess whether a service’s
minimum age is appropriate; and
(c)
the intervals at which minimum age assessments must be reviewed.
(6I)
Where Ofcom determines, having regard to the matters in subsection (6G),
that a proposed minimum age is insufficient to protect children from harm,
it may require the provider to apply a higher minimum age of access,
provided that the minimum age does not exceed 18 years.
(6J)
Ofcom will take enforcement action in relation to this section where—
(a)
the provider has failed to submit a suitable or sufficiently up-to-date
children’s risk assessment;
(b)
the evidence submitted does not sufficiently justify the provider’s
proposed minimum age;
(c)
the provider has failed to comply with a requirement imposed by
OFCOM under subsection (6I); or
(d)
the provider has failed to introduce age assurance that is highly
effective at correctly determining whether or not a particular user
is of age to use the service.
(6K)
Where Ofcom considers that a failure to comply with a requirement under
subsection (6I) presents an urgent and significant risk of harm to children,
it may apply directly for a business disruption order under this Act.””

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—

Stage: Report stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 27

Amendment #10031831#10031831Not movedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause: Duty to display health and wellbeing warnings for children on social media

Would insert a new clause after Clause 27 requiring clear health and wellbeing warnings for children on social media services. Not moved.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to display clear health and wellbeing warnings for children on social
media services
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within 9 months of the passing of this Act, make
regulations requiring regulated user-to-user services to display clear health and
wellbeing warnings to users who are under the age of 16 for the purpose of
protecting children from harm in accordance with this section.
(2)
Regulations under this section must, in particular, require that—
(a)
when a user under the age of 16 first opens or signs into a regulated
user-to-user service each day, the service must display a prominent health
and wellbeing warning message;
(b)
the health and wellbeing warning must—
(i)
be presented in a clear, accessible, and age-appropriate manner,
(ii)
inform the user that prolonged or excessive use of social media
may be associated with increased risk of adverse physical and
mental health effects, including but not limited to anxiety,
depression, sleep disruption, and decreased attention spans,
(iii)
provide a link to reputable sources of information on healthy social
media use and where to get help or support;
(c)
the warning must remain on screen until the user has taken a deliberate
action to acknowledge it.
(3)
The Secretary of State must, before making regulations under this section, consult—
(a)
the Chief Medical Officers of the United Kingdom,
(b)
Ofcom,
(c)
the Information Commissioner, and
(d)
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(4)
Regulations under this section may provide for partial or total exemptions for
those user-to-user services that have been proven to have no or insignificant
negative impact on the wellbeing of children.
(5)
Regulations under this section must be made by statutory instrument and a
statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made
unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution
of each House of Parliament.
(6)
For the purposes of this section—
“regulated user-to-user service” has the same meaning as in the Online Safety
Act 2023;
“health and wellbeing warning” means a message or notice to inform users
of relevant health and wellbeing risks associated with the use of social
media as prescribed in regulations.”

Duty to display clear health and wellbeing warnings for children on social media services

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 27

Amendment #10031832#10031832Not movedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause: Duty to limit children’s excessive use of addictive social media features

Would insert a new clause after Clause 27 imposing a duty to limit excessive use of addictive social media features by children. Not moved.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty to limit excessive use of addictive social media features by children
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the passing of this Act, make
regulations requiring regulated user-to-user services to implement measures
designed to limit excessive use of addictive social media features by children in
order to protect children from harm.
(2)
Regulations under subsection (1) must, in particular, require that—
(a)
where a user is identified as being under the age of 16, regulated services
must apply default daily time-use limits for features designated as addictive
design features;
(b)
such limits must prevent continued access to designated addictive design
features once the daily time-use limit is reached;
(c)
services must provide clear and accessible notifications to the child user
when time-use limits are approaching and when they have been reached;
(d)
services must provide a mechanism by which a parent or guardian may
adjust or override the default daily time-use limit.
(3)
For the purposes of this section, “addictive design features” include but are not
limited to—
(a)
infinite scrolling content feeds;
(b)
auto-play of sequential video or audio content;
(c)
algorithmic recommendation systems designed to maximise continuous
user engagement.
(4)
The Secretary of State must, before making regulations under this section, consult—
(a)
the Chief Medical Officers of the United Kingdom;
(b)
Ofcom;
(c)
the Information Commissioner; and
(d)
such other persons as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.
(5)
Regulations under this section must be made by statutory instrument and a
statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made
unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution
of each House of Parliament.
(6)
Compliance with regulations made under this section shall be treated as an
enforceable requirement for the purposes of Part 7 of the Online Safety Act 2023.
(7)
In this section—
“child” means a person under the age of 16;
“regulated user-to-user service” has the same meaning as in the Online Safety
Act 2023.”

Duty to limit excessive use of addictive social media features by children

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 27

Amendment #10031835#10031835DisagreedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause: Action on children’s wellbeing and harms-based access to social media

Would insert a new clause after Clause 27 on action to promote children’s wellbeing in relation to harms-based access to social media. Disagreed to.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Action to promote the wellbeing of children in relation to harms-based access to social media

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 27

Amendment #10031837#10031837WithdrawnNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause: Child poverty targets

Would insert a new clause after Clause 27 setting child poverty targets. Withdrawn after debate.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—
“Child poverty targets
(1)
The Secretary of State must, as soon as reasonably practicable and no later than
30 September 2026, and then at the start of each Parliament, lay regulations made
by statutory instrument that establish binding child poverty targets.
(2)
Child poverty targets must include—
(a)
targets for reducing the number of children living in poverty,
(b)
targets for reducing the number of children living in deep poverty, and
(c)
timescales by which each target must be achieved.
(3)
The Secretary of State must lay an annual report before Parliament setting out—
(a)
steps they have taken to deliver on the child poverty targets, and
(b)
progress that has been made towards the child poverty targets.
(4)
A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made
unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution
of each House of Parliament.”

Child poverty targets

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 27

Amendment #10031852#10031852Not movedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause: Raise the age of consent for harmful social media data processing

Would insert a new clause after Clause 27 promoting children’s wellbeing by raising the age of consent for harmful social media data processing. Not moved.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—
“Action to promote the wellbeing of children through age of consent rise for
harmful social media data processing
(1)
Article 8 of the UK GDPR (conditions applicable to child's consent in relation to
information society services) is amended as follows.
(2)
After paragraph 1 insert—
“1A.
References to 13 years old in paragraph 1 shall be read as 16 years old in
the case of social networking services processing personal data for the
purpose of delivering personalised content, including targeted advertising
and algorithmically curated recommendations, which has been deemed
by OFCOM to have a negative impact on the wellbeing of children.
1B.
For the purposes of paragraph 1A “social networking services” means any
online service that—
(a) allows users to create profiles and interact publicly or privately with
other users, and
(b) facilitates the sharing of user-generated content, including text,
images, or videos, with a wider audience.
1C.
Paragraph 1B does not apply to—
(a) educational platforms and learning management systems provided
in recognised educational settings, where personal data processing
is solely for educational purposes, or
(b) health and well-being services, including NHS digital services, mental
health support applications, and crisis helplines, where personal
data processing is necessary for the provision of care and support.””

Action to promote the wellbeing of children through age of consent rise for harmful social media data processing

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 27

Amendment #10031853#10031853Not movedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause: Combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM) (No. 2)

Would insert a new clause after Clause 27 promoting children’s wellbeing by combating child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Not moved.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—
“Action to promote the wellbeing of children by combating child sexual abuse
material (CSAM) (No. 2)
(1)
The Secretary of State must make regulation to promote the wellbeing of children
by preventing, detecting and responding to the creation, distribution and
possession of child sexual abuse material.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), regulations made under this Act may make
provision requiring providers of regulated services to—
(a)
assess and mitigate the risk of their services being used to create, distribute
or access child sexual abuse material,
(b)
implement proportionate safety and safeguarding measures, including
reporting mechanisms, human moderation and age-appropriate protections,
(c)
preserve and disclose relevant information to law enforcement authorities
where required to do so by law, and
(d)
cooperate with public authorities in the investigation and prosecution of
offences relating to child sexual abuse material.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (1), regulations made under this Act may contain
provision regarding sanctions for providers who fail to comply with those
regulations.
(4)
The Secretary of State must issue guidance on measures to—
(a)
improve the identification of children who are victims of sexual
exploitation,
(b)
strengthen pathways for reporting and referral,
(c)
support victims and survivors, and
(d)
enhance the capability and resourcing of specialist law enforcement and
safeguarding bodies.
(5)
In exercising functions under this Act for the purposes of combating child sexual
abuse material, the Secretary of State and any relevant authority must ensure that
measures taken are effective, evidence-based and proportionate to the risk
addressed.
(6)
Nothing in this Act authorises or requires the routine or indiscriminate monitoring
of the content of private communications or data stored on personal devices.
(7)
In particular, this Act does not require—
(a)
the installation of software on personal devices for the purpose of
generalised scanning of communications, images or files, or
(b)
the analysis of private digital content in the absence of reasonable grounds
for suspicion relating to a specific individual, account or device.
(8)
Technical measures which interfere with private communications or personal
data for the detection of child sexual abuse material may be used only where—
(a)
they are authorised by a warrant or court order,
(b)
they are targeted to a named individual, account or device, and
(c)
they are limited in scope and duration to what is strictly necessary.
(9)
In this section—
“personal device” means a device primarily used for private communication
or storage;
“data protection legislation” has the meaning given in section 3 of the Data
Protection Act 2018;
“child sexual abuse material” means images, video recordings or live videos
involving child sexual abuse, including—
(a)
any indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child within
the meaning of the Protection of Children Act 1978, and
(b)
any prohibited image of a child, within the meaning of section 62
of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, that is not an excluded image
within the meaning of section 63 of that Act.
(10)
A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made
unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by a resolution
of, each House of Parliament.”

Action to promote the wellbeing of children by combating child sexual abuse material (CSAM) (No. 2)

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 27

Amendment #10032196#10032196Not movedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause requiring a report on private provision of children’s social care

Inserts a new clause titled “Report on private provision of children's social care”.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 27, insert the following new Clause—
“Report on private provision of children's social care
Within two years of the day on which this Act is passed the Secretary of State
must lay a report before Parliament on the cost-effectiveness and appropriateness
of for-profit provision of children’s social care, including consideration of ways
in which its use might be ended.”

Report on private provision of children's social care

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 27

Clause 29 1

Amendment #10031525#10031525AgreedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause: Free school meals etc — information sharing

Inserts a new clause after Clause 29 on information sharing for free school meals.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 29, insert the following new Clause—
“Free school meals etc: information sharing
(1)
Section 110 of the Education Act 2005 (supply of information) is amended as
follows.
(2)
In subsection (4), after “local authority” insert “or the appropriate authority of a
relevant school in England”
(3)
In subsection (5)—
(a)
at the end of paragraph (a), omit “or”;
(b)
at the end of paragraph (b), insert “or
(c)
to the appropriate authority of a relevant school in
England,”.
(4)
After subsection (5) insert—
“(5A)
Information to which subsection (1) or (2) applies may be supplied to the
Secretary of State, or any person providing services to the Secretary of
State, for use for the purpose of determining whether relevant financial
assistance is payable or expendable in respect of a person in England.
(5B)
Information to which subsection (2) applies may be supplied to a local
authority in England or the appropriate authority of a relevant school in
England for use for the purpose mentioned in subsection (5A).
(5C)
Information received by virtue of subsection (5A) may be supplied—
(a)
to another person to whom it could have been supplied under that
subsection,
(b)
to a local authority in England, or
(c)
to the appropriate authority of a relevant school in England,
for use for the purpose mentioned in subsection (5A).
(5D)
A person who (after receiving information by virtue of this section) makes
a determination described in subsection (3) or (5A) in respect of a person
in England may communicate the determination to—
(a)
a parent of the person in respect of whom the determination was
made,
(b)
a local authority in England, or
(c)
the appropriate authority of a relevant school in England.
(5E)
The communication may include information about the statutory provision
or the arrangements under which the person in respect of whom the
determination is made is eligible for free school lunches.”
(5)
After subsection (6), insert—
“(6A)
The references in this section to a local authority in England include
references to any person exercising on behalf of such an authority functions
relating to eligibility for free school lunches and milk or relating to relevant
financial assistance.”
(6)
For subsections (7) and (8) substitute—
“(7)
For the purposes of this section, determining “eligibility for free school
lunches and milk” means determining—
(a)
whether school lunches or milk must be provided for a person,
free of charge and on request, in accordance with—
(i)
section 512ZB(2) or (3) of the Education Act 1996,
(ii)
regulations under section 342 of that Act (non-maintained
special schools), or
(iii)
Academy arrangements;
(b)
whether school lunches or milk may or must be provided for a
person, free of charge, by a local authority in England or the
appropriate authority of a relevant school in England in accordance
with one or both of the following—
(i)
the terms of relevant financial assistance;
(ii)
guidance issued by the Secretary of State.
(8)
The reference to school lunch in subsection (7)(b) includes food equivalent
to a school lunch provided for a person educated otherwise than at school.
(8A)
In this section—
“the appropriate authority” means—
(a)
in relation to a community, foundation or voluntary school
or a community or foundation special school, the governing
body;
(b)
in relation to a pupil referral unit, the local authority which
maintains the unit;
(c)
in relation to any other kind of relevant school, the
proprietor;
“functions relating to social security” includes functions relating to
Part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999;
“relevant financial assistance” means financial assistance given under
section 14 of the Education Act 2002—
(a)
to a local authority in England or the appropriate authority
of a relevant school in England, and
(b)
in connection with child welfare or the provision of
education;
“relevant school” means—
(a)
an Academy school,
(b)
an alternative provision Academy,
(c)
a community, foundation or voluntary school,
(d)
a community or foundation special school,
(e)
a non-maintained special school (within the meaning given
by section 337A of the Education Act 1996),
(f)
a pupil referral unit, or
(g)
a city technology college or city college for the technology
of the arts;
“school lunch” has the same meaning as in section 512 of the
Education Act 1996.””

Free school meals etc: information sharing

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 29

Clause 31 2

Amendment #10018474#10018474No decisionAmends text

Exclude academies from the Academy food-and-drink power

Adds that powers under subsection (1) may not be exercised in relation to an academy.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 31, page 72, line 31, at end insert—
“(1A)
Powers under subsection (1) may not be exercised in relation to an academy.”

(1A) Powers under subsection (1) may not be exercised in relation to an academy.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 31

Amendment #10026093#10026093WithdrawnAmends text

Record parents' names and home addresses in the children-not-in-school register

Replaces lines 40 to 44 of Clause 31 so that the register records the names and home addresses of the parent or parents taking responsibility for the child's education.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 31, page 54, leave out lines 40 to 44 and insert—
“(b)
the names and home addresses of the parent or parents who are
taking responsibility for the education of the child;”

~~(lines 40–44)~~ “(b) the names and home addresses of the parent or parents who are taking responsibility for the education of the child;”

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 31

Clause 33 2

Amendment #10018473#10018473No decisionAmends text

Require guidance on how the free-school-meals information provision works

Adds a duty for the Secretary of State to issue guidance for relevant institutions on how subsection (2)(g) is to be understood.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 33, page 86, line 38, at end insert—
“(2D)
The Secretary of State must issue guidance for relevant institutions on how
subsection (2)(g) is to be understood.”

(2D) The Secretary of State must issue guidance for relevant institutions on how subsection (2)(g) is to be understood.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 33

Amendment #10018475#10018475No decisionRemoves provision

Remove two lines from the free-school-meals information clause

Deletes lines 12 and 13 of the clause.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 33, page 86, line 12, leave out lines 12 and 13

~~(lines 12–13)~~

Stage: Committee stage
Type: DeleteClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 33

Clause 35 4

Amendment #10023906#10023906WithdrawnNew clause / schedule

Review of factory shutdowns and school attendance

Inserts a new clause after Clause 35 requiring a review of factory shutdowns and school attendance. Withdrawn after debate.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 35, insert the following new Clause—
“Review: factory shutdowns and school attendance
(1)
On the day on which this Act is passed, the Secretary of State must order a review
of the effect of factory shutdowns on local school attendance.
(2)
The review must consider the merits of varying local school holiday dates to
minimise the impact of factory shutdowns on school attendance.
(3)
The review must be published within six months of the day on which this Act is
passed and must be laid before both Houses of Parliament.”

“Review: factory shutdowns and school attendance

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 35

Amendment #10023912#10023912Not movedNew clause / schedule

Provide access to extracurricular sport and recreation opportunities

Inserts a new clause after Clause 35 on access to extracurricular sport and recreation opportunities. Not moved.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 35, insert the following new Clause—
“Access to extracurricular sport and recreation opportunities
A child educated at home is entitled to reasonable access to extracurricular sport
and recreation opportunities offered and co-ordinated by local maintained schools.”

“Access to extracurricular sport and recreation opportunities

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 35

Amendment #10026195#10026195WithdrawnNew clause / schedule

Require sharing of local authority best practice on home education

Inserts a new clause after Clause 35 on sharing local authority best practice on home education.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 35, insert the following new Clause—
“Sharing local authority best practice on home education
(1)
All local authorities must provide an annual report to the Secretary of State setting
out—
(a)
the total number of home educators in their area (A),
(b)
the number of complaints they have received from home educators in the
preceding year (B), and
(c)
the number of School Attendance Orders they have issued in the preceding
year (C).
(2)
The Secretary of State must make funding and resources available to any local
authority which performs in the top ten percent of both—
(a)
B as a percentage of A, and
(b)
C as a percentage of A,
to facilitate those local authorities sharing best practice regarding management
of home education with local authorities performing in the bottom ten percent of
the same metrics.”

“Sharing local authority best practice on home education

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 35

Amendment #10026272#10026272Not movedNew clause / schedule

Provide protection from legal action where there is harm to the child

Inserts a new clause after Clause 35 on the prevention of legal action in connection with harm to the child.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 35, insert the following new Clause—
“Harm to the child: prevention of legal action
(1)
No parent can be subject to criminal prosecution, penalty, or sanction (“legal
action”) under any provision in sections 30 to 35 if the condition in subsection (2)
applies.
(2)
The condition is that legal action in subsection (1) would result—
(a)
in harm to a child’s welfare, or
(b)
on balance, in greater harm to a child’s education than if the legal action
was not pursued.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (2)—
(a)
harm to a child’s welfare is determined with reference to section 1 of the
Children Act 1989 (welfare of the child), and
(b)
harm to a child’s education is determined with reference to—
(i)
section 9 of the Education Act 1996 (pupils to be educated in
accordance with parents’ wishes), and
(ii)
Article 2 of Protocol 1 of the European Convention on Human
Rights (right to education).
(4)
Nothing in this section prevents proportionate civil measures, support, or
intervention intended to secure the welfare of the child, provided such measures
do not have the effect of undermining the child’s access to suitable education.”

“Harm to the child: prevention of legal action

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 35

Clause 36 3

Amendment #10022314#10022314WithdrawnAmends text

Bring alternative-provision institutions within scope

Adds institutions in England that cater for children placed with them for alternative provision by local authorities to the clause's scope.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 36, page 79, line 16, at end insert—
“(c)
institutions in England that cater for children placed with them for
alternative provision by local authorities.”

… “(c) institutions in England that cater for children placed with them for alternative provision by local authorities.”

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 36

Amendment #10023023#10023023Not movedAmends text

Treat several separate organisations as one for Clause 36

Would provide that several separate organisations may be treated as one organisation for the purposes of Clause 36 on guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 36, page 79, line 29, at end insert—
“(e)
provide that several separate organisations should be considered as
one organisation for the purposes of this section.”

… (e) provide that several separate organisations should be considered as one organisation for the purposes of this section.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 36

Amendment #10023024#10023024Not movedAmends text

Exclude purely religious-instruction providers from the independent-institution definition

Would provide that an institution giving religious instruction as an addition to education received elsewhere is not an independent educational institution under Clause 36.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 36, page 79, line 16, at end insert—
“but an institution which provides religious instruction as an addition to the
education which its students receive elsewhere is not an independent educational
institution.”

… but an institution which provides religious instruction as an addition to the education which its students receive elsewhere is not an independent educational institution.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 36

Clause 38 1

Amendment #10032779#10032779AgreedAmends text

Set children-not-in-school registration thresholds by secondary-pupil amount

Replaces the reference to the removed subsection's limits with the amount specified for a secondary pupil, fixing how the relevant threshold is determined under the registration provisions.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 38, page 62, line 18, leave out “limits mentioned in subsection [subsection removed]
apply” and insert “amount specified in relation to a secondary pupil applies”

~~limits mentioned in subsection [subsection removed] apply~~ amount specified in relation to a secondary pupil applies

Stage: 3rd reading
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 38

Clause 39 1

Amendment #10032785#10032785AgreedAmends text

Update regulation-making references for school attendance orders

Replaces the cross-reference at the end of the line with text pointing to section 569 (regulations) of the relevant Act and amending its subsection (2A) to insert a reference to section 434B.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 39, page 68, line 40, leave out from first “section” to the end and insert “569 of that
Act (regulations)—
(a)
in subsection (2A), after “section” insert “434B,”;
(b)
in subsection (2BB), after “section” insert “434B or”.”

~~section …~~ 569 of that Act (regulations)—
(a) in subsection (2A), after “section” insert “434B,”;

Stage: 3rd reading
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 39

Clause 40 6

Amendment #10018466#10018466No decisionAmends text

Amend the teacher-qualification requirement (section 133)

Inserts a new subsection into section 133 (requirement to be qualified).

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 40, page 99, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A)
In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)
Where a person is carrying out such work in an academy school, the
requirement in subsection (1)(a) does not apply where the condition in
subsection (1B) is met.
(1B)
The condition is that—
(a)
the individual is employed by the proprietor of an academy;
(b)
the proprietor of the academy is satisfied that the individual has
sufficient expertise to enable them to undertake such work
appropriately; and
(c)
the proprietor will provide the individual with appropriate
training, support and guidance to ensure that they are able to
undertake such work appropriately.””

(1A) In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 40

Amendment #10018467#10018467No decisionAmends text

Amend the teacher-qualification requirement (section 133)

Inserts a new subsection into section 133 (requirement to be qualified).

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 40, page 99, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A)
In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)
Where a person was carrying out such work at the time of the passing
of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2025, the requirement in
subsection (1)(a) does not apply.””

(1A) In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 40

Amendment #10018471#10018471No decisionAmends text

Amend the teacher-qualification requirement (section 133)

Inserts a new subsection into section 133 (requirement to be qualified).

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 40, page 99, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A)
In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)
The requirement in subsection (1)(a) only applies after a person has
been carrying out such work in a school for five years.””

(1A) In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 40

Amendment #10018487#10018487No decisionAmends text

Amend the teacher-qualification requirement (section 133)

Inserts a new subsection into section 133 (requirement to be qualified).

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 40, page 99, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A)
In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—
“(1A)
Where a person is carrying out such work for the purposes of teaching
a shortage subject, the requirement in subsection (1)(a) does not apply.
(1B)
For the purposes of this section, “shortage subject” means any subject
in relation to which the Department for Education’s recruitment targets
for initial teacher training have been missed in the most recent year
for which such statistics exist.””

(1A) In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (1) insert—

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 40

Amendment #10018820#10018820No decisionAmends text

Add a qualification requirement provision to Clause 40

Adds wording to Clause 40 inserting new text into section 133 (requirement to be qualified) of the relevant Act after subsection (5).

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 40, page 99, line 23, at end insert—
“(1A)
In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (5) insert—
“(5A)
Regulations made by the Secretary of State under this section must have
regard to—
(a)
the availability of qualified teachers in each school subject, and
(b)
the necessity or desirability of specific sectoral expertise for
teachers in each school subject””

… (1A) In section 133 (requirement to be qualified), after subsection (5) insert—

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 40

Amendment #10032784#10032784AgreedAmends text

Define young carers for children-not-in-school information

Rewrites the test so that, for a child in England, it turns on whether the child is a young carer within the meaning of section 17ZA(3) of the Children Act 1989, as qualified by section 17ZB(3) of that Act.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 40, page 72, line 19, leave out from “whether” to the end of line 21 and insert “—
(i)
in the case of a child in England, the child is a young carer within
the meaning of section 17ZA(3) of the Children Act 1989, as
qualified by section 17ZB(3) of that Act, or
(ii)
in the case of a child in Wales, the child is a carer (within the
meaning of “child” and “carer” given by section 3 of the Social
Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014);”

~~(lines 19–21)~~ “—
(i) in the case of a child in England, the child is a young carer within the meaning of section 17ZA(3) of the Children Act 1989, as qualified by section 17ZB(3) of that Act, or

Stage: 3rd reading
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 40

Clause 43 5

Amendment #10018480#10018480No decisionAmends text

Rewrite the academy intervention power wording

Replaces text so the Secretary of State may exercise powers under the funding agreement to terminate or require performance in accordance with its terms.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 43, page 102, line 37, leave out from “may” to the end of line 3 on page 103 and
insert “exercise their powers under the funding agreement to terminate or require
performance of the funding agreement in accordance with its terms.”

~~(from “may” to end of line 3)~~ exercise their powers under the funding agreement to terminate or require performance of the funding agreement in accordance with its terms.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 43

Amendment #10018482#10018482No decisionAmends text

Require a Commons statement when the academy intervention power is used

Adds a duty for the Secretary of State to make a statement in the House of Commons explaining the actions taken and the reasons for them.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 43, page 103, line 3, at end insert—
“(2A)
Where the Secretary of State exercises functions under this section, the Secretary
of State must make a statement in the House of Commons which explains the
actions taken and the reasons for taking such actions.”

(2A) Where the Secretary of State exercises functions under this section, the Secretary of State must make a statement in the House of Commons which explains the actions taken and the reasons for taking such actions.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 43

Amendment #10018489#10018489No decisionRemoves provision

Remove two lines from the academy intervention clause

Deletes lines 35 and 36 of the clause.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 43, page 102, leave out lines 35 and 36

~~(lines 35–36)~~

Stage: Committee stage
Type: DeleteClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 43

Amendment #10018640#10018640No decisionAmends text

Narrow the directions that may be given under Clause 43

Replaces text in Clause 43 so directions are limited to those needed to secure compliance with statutory duties, the funding agreement or charity law.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 43, page 102, line 37, leave out from “directions” to the end of line 39 and insert “as
are necessary to secure compliance with statutory duties, the requirements of the Funding
Agreement, or charity law.”

~~from “directions” to end of line 39~~ as are necessary to secure compliance with statutory duties, the requirements of the Funding Agreement, or charity law.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 43

Amendment #10018642#10018642No decisionAmends text

Narrow the directions that may be given under Clause 43 (further provision)

Replaces a further block of Clause 43 so directions are limited to those needed to secure compliance with statutory duties, the funding agreement or charity law.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 43, page 103, line 2, leave out from “directions” to the end of line 3 and insert “as
are necessary to secure compliance with statutory duties, the requirements of the Funding
Agreement, or charity law.”

~~from “directions” to end of line 3~~ as are necessary to secure compliance with statutory duties, the requirements of the Funding Agreement, or charity law.

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 43

Clause 44 1

Amendment #10018478#10018478No decisionAmends text

Rewrite the independent-school standards intervention wording

Replaces a block of the clause with new text adding an exception where the Secretary of State determines no suitable sponsor is available.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 44, page 103, leave out from line 25 to line 8 on page 104 and insert—
“(a)
in subsection (A1), after “measures)” insert “unless the Secretary of
State determines that no suitable sponsor is available”;
(b)
after subsection (A1) insert—
“(A2)
Where the Secretary of State determines that no suitable sponsor
is available, the Secretary of State must, within 14 days, publish
a plan to secure appropriate governance and leadership of the
school and to secure its rapid improvement.
(A3)
A plan published under subsection (A2) must include—
(a)
the parties with responsibility for the school and its
improvement;
(b)
the parties who will take action to improve provision in
the school;
(c)
the resources that will be provided to the relevant parties,
including who will provide the resources and when the
resources will be provided; and
(d)
the intended outcomes of the plan, with the relevant
timetables for the outcomes.
(A4)
The Secretary of State must report annually to Parliament on—
(a)
the number of times the Secretary of State has published
a plan under subsection (A2);
(b)
the resources which have been provided as part of any
plans; and
(c)
the outcomes of any plans.””

~~(lines 25–8)~~ (a) in subsection (A1), after “measures)” insert “unless the Secretary of State determines that no suitable sponsor is available”;

Stage: Committee stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 44

Clause 56 1

Amendment #10030676#10030676WithdrawnNew clause / schedule

Add safeguards on the exercise of local authority powers

Inserts a new clause on reasonableness and safeguards in the exercise of local authority powers.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 56, insert the following new Clause—
“Reasonableness and safeguards in the exercise of local authority powers
(1)
In exercising powers under sections 54 to 56, a local authority must act reasonably
and proportionately, having regard to—
(a)
the needs of the child,
(b)
the needs of other pupils at the school, and
(c)
the capacity of the school to meet the child’s needs safely and effectively.
(2)
An Academy may, within 10 school days of receiving a direction or proposed
direction under sections 54 to 56, notify the local authority and the Secretary of
State that it considers the direction to be unreasonable on one or more of the
following grounds—
(a)
that the Academy cannot reasonably be expected, with the resources and
specialist expertise available to it, to meet the child’s special educational
needs or other significant additional needs;
(b)
that admitting the child would seriously prejudice the education or welfare
of existing pupils or the safety of pupils or staff;
(c)
that suitable and reasonably accessible alternative provision is available
which is better able to meet the child’s needs;
(d)
that the direction is otherwise irrational or disproportionate.
(3)
Where notice is given under subsection (2), the direction shall not take effect
until—
(a)
the Secretary of State has confirmed, varied or set aside the direction, or
(b)
such other independent review body as may be prescribed by regulations
has determined the matter.
(4)
Before confirming or varying a direction under subsection (3), the Secretary of
State (or other prescribed body) must—
(a)
give the Academy proprietor and the local authority an opportunity to
make written representations, and
(b)
have regard to any relevant code of practice or statutory guidance.
(5)
In this section “Academy” has the same meaning as in this Act.
(6)
In exercising functions under this section, the Secretary of State (or other prescribed
body) must have particular regard to the importance of securing fair access for
looked-after children, previously looked-after children, children who have been
excluded from a previous school and children with an education, health and care
plan.
(7)
A statutory instrument containing regulations under this section may not be made
unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before and approved by a resolution
of each House of Parliament”

“Reasonableness and safeguards in the exercise of local authority powers

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 56

Clause 57 3

Amendment #10029631#10029631Withdrawn before debateAmends text

Remove Clause 57 (inspection of Academy proprietors)

Would leave out Clause 57, which provides for the inspection of Academy proprietors.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Leave out Clause 57

~~Clause 57~~

Stage: Report stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 57

Amendment #10030654#10030654Not movedNew clause / schedule

Require reporting of faith-based selection in school admissions

Inserts a new clause requiring the reporting of faith-based selection in school admissions.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 57, insert the following new Clause—
“Reporting of faith-based selection in school admissions
(1)
The Secretary of State must, within 12 months of the day on which this Act is
passed, collect and publish data on the individual admission arrangements used
by all schools.
(2)
The Secretary of State must, on an annual basis—
(a)
require schools, via the school census, to report their current admission
policy, specifying the proportion of places that may be allocated based on
faith-related criteria such as proof of religious affiliation;
(b)
include information on school admissions and faith-based selection in all
relevant education data publications, including national education statistics,
Department for Education published data files, and the “Get Information
About Schools” service.”

“Reporting of faith-based selection in school admissions

Stage: Report stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 57

Amendment #10030677#10030677AgreedAmends text

Limit when the adjudicator can cut a school's admission number

Inserts a new subsection (5A) in Clause 57 preventing the adjudicator from directing a school to reduce its published admission number unless certain conditions are satisfied. The amendment was agreed.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 57, page 122, line 21, at end insert—
“(5A)
The adjudicator may not issue a direction under this section requiring the
governing body of a maintained school or the proprietor of an Academy to
reduce the school’s published admission number unless satisfied that—
(a)
the direction is necessary and proportionate to secure the efficient
and effective use of education provision within the local authority
area, and
(b)
the school—
(i)
is not operating at or above its current published admission
number, and
(ii)
has not, within the period of three years preceding the
direction, been assessed by His Majesty’s Chief Inspector as
providing education that is of a high quality.
(5B)
For the purposes of subsection (5A)(b)(ii), a school shall be regarded as
providing education of a high quality where—
(a)
the most recent inspection carried out under section 5 or section 8
of the Education Act 2005 (duty to inspect schools) concludes that
the quality of education at the school is effective or better, or
(b)
any equivalent finding is made under an inspection framework that
succeeds that in force at the passing of this Act.
(5C)
Before issuing a direction under this section requiring a reduction in a
school’s published admission number, the adjudicator must consider whether
the objective could more appropriately be achieved by means of changes to
the pattern of provision in the area, including (where appropriate) the
amalgamation or closure of schools, in accordance with any applicable
statutory and departmental guidance on school organisation.
(5D)
In exercising functions under this section, the adjudicator must have regard
to—
(a)
the desirability of giving effect to parental preferences for schools,
and
(b)
the need to avoid measures that would unduly restrict access to
schools that are providing high-quality education or that are in strong
demand from parents.”

… “(5A) The adjudicator may not issue a direction under this section requiring the governing body of a maintained school or the proprietor of an Academy to reduce the school’s published admission number unless satisfied that—

Stage: Report stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 57

Clause 58 2

Amendment #10030544#10030544Not movedRemoves provision

Remove Clause 58

Would delete Clause 58, which repeals the duty to make an Academy order for a school causing concern.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Leave out Clause 58

~~Removes Clause 58 — Repeal of duty to make Academy order in relation to school causing concern~~

Stage: Report stage
Type: DeleteClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 58

Amendment #10031515#10031515AgreedAmends text

Amend the Academies Act 2010 consultation duty

Adds a new subsection (5) to Clause 58 (repeal of duty to make Academy order), omitting certain words from section 10(1)(a) of the Academies Act 2010 on consultation about new and expanded institutions.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 58, page 124, line 14, at end insert—
“(5)
In section 10 of the Academies Act 2010 (consultation: new and expanded
educational institutions), in subsection (1)(a) omit the words from “other” to
“authority),”.”

… (5) In section 10 of the Academies Act 2010 (consultation: new and expanded educational institutions), in subsection (1)(a) omit the words from “other” to “authority),”.

Stage: Report stage
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 58

Clause 59 4

Amendment #10032780#10032780AgreedRemoves provision

Drop reference to the Education and Inspections Act 2006

Removes the words tying a provision in the Academy teachers' pay and conditions clause to the Education and Inspections Act 2006.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 59, page 131, line 2, leave out “of the Education and Inspections Act 2006”

~~of the Education and Inspections Act 2006~~

Stage: 3rd reading
Type: DeleteClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 59

Amendment #10032781#10032781AgreedAmends text

Frame amendments to the Education and Inspections Act 2006

Inserts an introductory provision stating that the Education and Inspections Act 2006 is amended in accordance with the following subsections.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 59, page 131, line 1, at end insert—
“(A1)
The Education and Inspections Act 2006 is amended in accordance with subsections
(1) and (1A).”

… “(A1) The Education and Inspections Act 2006 is amended in accordance with subsections (1) and (1A).”

Stage: 3rd reading
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 59

Amendment #10032782#10032782AgreedAmends text

Add parliamentary control for new orders and regulations

Inserts a provision amending section 182 (parliamentary control of orders and regulations) of the Education and Inspections Act 2006 to add a new paragraph after paragraph (aza).

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 59, page 139, line 20, at end insert—
“(1A)
In section 182 (parliamentary control of orders and regulations), in subsection (3),
after paragraph (aza) insert—
“(azb)
regulations under section 122A(2) (power to exempt Academy
proprietors from regular inspection),
(azc)
regulations under section 122B(2)(f) (power to make provision
about content of inspection report),
(azd)
regulations under section 122F(4) (power to make provision about
content of inspection framework),”.”

… “(1A) In section 182 (parliamentary control of orders and regulations), in subsection (3), after paragraph (aza) insert—

Stage: 3rd reading
Type: EditBillBody
Clause: 59

Amendment #10032783#10032783AgreedRemoves provision

Remove lines on Academy teachers' pay and conditions

Deletes lines 24 to 34 from the Academy teachers' pay and conditions clause.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Clause 59, page 137, leave out lines 24 to 34

~~(lines 24–34)~~

Stage: 3rd reading
Type: DeleteClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 59

Clause 62 8

Amendment #10022227#10022227Not movedNew clause / schedule

New clause: duty on UK Ministers

Proposes a new clause placing a duty on UK Ministers, inserted after Clause 62.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Duty on UK Ministers
(1)
A Minister of the Crown must, when exercising any or all of their functions under
this Act, as they relate to children’s wellbeing, social care or education, have due
regard to the rights and obligations set out in the United Nations Convention on
the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
(2)
In complying with the duty under subsection (1), Ministers of the Crown must
take account of the relevant views, wishes and feelings of children insofar as the
Minister is able to ascertain those views.
(3)
When discharging their duties under the provisions in this Act, Ministers of the
Crown must promote public awareness and understanding of the UNCRC as it
relates to children’s wellbeing, social care or education, including among children,
public authorities, and those performing public functions impacting children’s
wellbeing, social care or education.
(4)
In complying with this duty, Ministers of the Crown must prepare and publish
child rights impact assessments in relation to any legislative provision, policy
decision, budgetary decision, or other decision of a strategic or operational nature
that has or will have a direct or indirect impact on children’s wellbeing, social
care or education, which are undertaken by virtue of the provisions in this Act.
(5)
As soon as is practicable after the end of each three-year period, the Secretary of
State must publish (in such a manner as they deem appropriate) a report of the
steps taken in that period specifically to secure implementation of the rights and
obligations set out in the UNCRC, as they relate to children’s wellbeing, social
care or education.
(6)
A report published under subsection (5) must include—
(a)
an assessment of the extent to which the UNCRC is being implemented
for children and young people in relation to wellbeing, social care and
education;
(b)
steps taken to promote understanding and awareness of the rights of
children, as they relate to wellbeing, social care or education.
(7)
The UNCRC includes the rights and obligations set out in—
(a)
the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Part 1;
(b)
Articles 1 to 6(1), 6(3) and 7 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict;
(c)
Articles 1 to 10 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights
of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography;
(d)
any other Optional Protocols to the UNCRC that the UK may in future
ratify.
(8)
The UNCRC rights and obligations for the purposes of this Act are subject to any
reservations, objections or interpretative declarations by the United Kingdom as
may be in force at the time.
(9)
The UNCRC rights and obligations for the purposes of this Act should be
interpreted in light of General Comments prepared by the UN Committee on the
Rights of the Child under rule 77 of its procedure and Concluding Observations
made by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in response to a UK report
under Article 45 paragraph (d) of the Convention.”

Duty on UK Ministers

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Amendment #10022280#10022280WithdrawnNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause requiring a child rights impact assessment

Inserts a new clause, headed “Child rights impact assessment”, after Clause 62.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Child rights impact assessment
(1)
A Minister of the Crown must prepare and publish a child rights impact assessment
in relation to any legislative provision, policy decision, budgetary decision, or
other decision of a strategic or operational nature that has or will have a direct or
indirect impact on children’s wellbeing,social care or education, which are
undertaken by virtue of the provisions in this Act.
(2)
The purpose of a child rights impact assessment is to secure better or further effect
of the rights set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
(UNCRC).
(3)
A child rights impact assessment must include consideration of the views, wishes
and feeling of children and young people affected by the decision, insofar as the
Minister is able to ascertain those views.
(4)
A child rights impact assessment should be undertaken on all relevant legislation,
policy and budget development which are undertaken by virtue of the provisions
in this Act at the earliest possible opportunity and prior to making final decisions.
(5)
The UNCRC includes the rights and obligations set out in—
(a)
the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child Part 1;
(b)
Articles 1 to 6(1), 6(3) and 7 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on
the Rights of the Child on the involvement of children in armed conflict;
(c)
Articles 1 to 10 of the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights
of the Child on the sale of children, child prostitution and child
pornography;
(d)
any other Optional Protocols to the UNCRC that the United Kingdom may
in future ratify.
(6)
The UNCRC rights and obligations for the purposes of this Act are subject to any
reservations, objections or interpretative declarations by the United Kingdom as
may be in force at the time.
(7)
The UNCRC rights and obligations for the purposes of this Act should be
interpreted in the light of General Comments prepared by the UN Committee on
the Rights of the Child under rule 77 of its procedure and Concluding Observations
made by the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in response to a United
Kingdom report under Article 45 paragraph (d) of the Convention.”

“Child rights impact assessment

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Amendment #10022596#10022596Not movedNew clause / schedule

New clause: include non-religious beliefs in religious education

Inserts a new clause after Clause 62 on the inclusion of non-religious beliefs in religious education.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Inclusion of non-religious beliefs in religious education
(1)
Section 375 of the Education Act 1996 is amended as follows.
(2)
Omit subsection (3) and insert—
“(3)
Every agreed syllabus shall—
(a)
reflect the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in
the main Christian, and
(b)
take account of the teachings of the other principal religions and
non-religious beliefs represented in Great Britain.
(3A)
In subsection (3)(b), the reference to non-religious beliefs is to non-religious
philosophical convictions that—
(a)
are explicitly non-religious, and
(b)
are philosophical convictions within the meaning of Article 2 of
the First Protocol to the European Convention on Human Rights.
(3B)
In subsection (3A)(b) “the European Convention on Human Rights” means
the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental
Freedoms, agreed by the Council of Europe at Rome on 4 November 1950,
as it has effect for the time being in relation to the United Kingdom; and
“the First Protocol”, in relation to that Convention, means the protocol to
the Convention agreed at Paris on 20 March 1952.””

“Inclusion of non-religious beliefs in religious education

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Amendment #10022597#10022597Not movedNew clause / schedule

New clause: national children's wellbeing measurement programme

Inserts a new clause after Clause 62 establishing a national children's wellbeing measurement programme.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Establishment of a national children’s wellbeing measurement programme
(1)
The Secretary of State must establish a national children’s wellbeing measurement
programme.
(2)
A programme established under this section must—
(a)
conduct an annual online national survey of the wellbeing of children in
relevant schools in England;
(b)
provide central analysis of data and support for schools in the
administration of the survey;
(c)
make provision for school, parental and student consent to participation
in the survey, ensuring that participation is voluntary and that results are
handled confidentially;
(d)
regularly publish the results of the survey and provide relevant data to
participating schools, local authorities and other public bodies for the
purposes of improving children’s wellbeing.
(3)
For the purposes of this section, “wellbeing” includes the drivers of wellbeing,
including nutrition, physical activity, participation in arts, culture and
entertainment and any other factors the Secretary of State deems relevant.
(4)
For the purposes of this section, “relevant schools” includes academy schools,
alternative provision, maintained schools, non-maintained special schools,
independent schools, and pupil referral units.”

“Establishment of a national children’s wellbeing measurement programme

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Amendment #10022627#10022627Not movedNew clause / schedule

Create a right to convert underperforming schools to community learning hubs

Proposes a new clause establishing a right to convert underperforming schools into community learning hubs.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Right to convert underperforming schools to community learning hubs
Where Ofsted rates a school as inadequate for three consecutive years, a majority
vote of local home-educating families may petition for its conversion into a
community learning hub.”

“Right to convert underperforming schools to community learning hubs

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Amendment #10022644#10022644Not movedNew clause / schedule

Add a new clause on curriculum materials

Proposes a new clause dealing with curriculum materials.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Curriculum materials
All external resources used in schools must be published, citable, and accessible
for public and regulatory scrutiny.”

“Curriculum materials

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Amendment #10022650#10022650Not movedNew clause / schedule

Require a review of off-rolling in schools

Proposed new clause requiring a review of the practice of off-rolling pupils from schools.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

After Clause 62, insert the following new Clause—
“Review of off-rolling in schools
(1)
Within 12 months of the passing of this Act, the Secretary of State must publish
a review into the practice of off-rolling in schools.
(2)
The review must produce proposals outlining the steps necessary to eliminate the
practice of off-rolling in schools.”

“Review of off-rolling in schools

Stage: Committee stage
Type: AddClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Amendment #10031456#10031456AgreedRemoves provision

Remove Clause 62

Removes Clause 62 from the Bill.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

Leave out Clause 62

~~Removes Clause 62 — Power to direct admission: extension to Academies~~

Stage: Report stage
Type: DeleteClauseOrSchedule
Clause: 62

Other amendments 2

Amendment #10032293#10032293Not movedRemoves provision

Trim the definition of regulated user-to-user services

In the definition of “regulated user-to-user services” in subsection (5), leaves out the words from “2023” to the end.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

In subsection (5), in the definition for “regulated user-to-user services”, leave out from
“2023” to end

~~2023~~

Stage: Report stage
Type: DeleteClauseOrSchedule

Amendment #10032294#10032294DisagreedAmends text

Make a provision subject to exemptions under subsection (1A)

Inserts “subject to any exemptions under subsection (1A)” at the end of subsection (1)(b). This amendment was disagreed.

Amendment text· full text from the Amendment Paper

In subsection (1)(b), at end insert “subject to any exemptions under subsection (1A).
(1A)
Any exemptions to regulations made under subsection (1)(b)—
(a)
must be specified only by Ofcom and the Children’s Commissioner acting
jointly, and
(b)
can only apply where—
(i)
the primary purpose of the exemption is to address or mitigate
harms arising from social media use by children,
(ii)
the exemption specifies an alternative minimum age to that
provided under subsection (1)(b), and
(iii)
the provider of the service has demonstrated to the satisfaction of
Ofcom and the Children’s Commissioner that it—
(A)
meets Ofcom’s guidance concerning appropriate,
risk-based minimum ages,
(B)
has due regard to relevant standards and principles of
the UK General Data Protection Regulation,
(C)
has particular regard to the importance of protecting the
rights and best interests of children, as recognised by the
United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child,
(D)
has considered the potential impact of the service on the
mental health and psychological wellbeing of children,
(E)
has investigated the extent to which the service’s design,
functionalities or features may encourage addictive or
compulsive use, and
(F)
has considered and reviewed the use of algorithms for
content recommendation, amplification or targeted
advertising.
(1B)
Regulations made under subsection (1)(b) must also provide for—
(a)
periodic review of any exemption to ensure the continuing adequacy of
protection for children, and
(b)
amendment or revocation of an exemption where Ofcom and the Children’s
Commissioner are no longer satisfied as to the matters set out in subsection
(1A)(b)(iii).”

… subject to any exemptions under subsection (1A).

Stage: Report stage
Type: EditBillBody

EnactedChildren’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

New clauses & schedules 20

Clause 1 7

Clause 21 6

Clause 27 8

Clause 29 1

Clause 31 2

Clause 33 2

Clause 35 4

Clause 36 3

Clause 38 1

Clause 39 1

Clause 40 6

Clause 43 5

Clause 44 1

Clause 56 1

Clause 57 3

Clause 58 2

Clause 59 4

Clause 62 8

Other amendments 2