Legal views on the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill is currently being debated in the House of Lords, having progressed through the House of Commons over the past year.

There have been some notable amendments to the draft legislation during its passage through Parliament so far, including in response to concerns voiced early on within the sector. For example, clarifying that the unified pay and conditions framework is intended to operate as a minimum requirement, not a ceiling, and narrowing new Secretary of State direction powers for academies. 

A recent significant amendment is the addition of clauses laying out a legal framework for trust inspections. In the coming weeks, we may also see further changes to codify the government’s updated position on mobile phones in schools.

What schools need to know

Below you will find links to more detailed analysis on key parts of the Bill which impact schools, with the aim of explaining the proposed new law, the potential practical implications and identifying where further information, thought and guidance will be needed.

Links to commentary on specific areas of the Bill are below and we’ll update this page to reflect new developments as they emerge:

• Academies – freedoms and interventions.
• Admissions.
• Attendance and children not in school.
• Breakfast clubs.
• School uniform.
• Independent educational institutions.
• Teacher pay and conditions.
• New schools.
• Teacher misconduct.

We’re here to support you and we’ll provide further advice as these proposed laws approach the final stages and implementation.