The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

On Wednesday 8^th January, I voted for The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill during its second reading. This bill represents the most significant child protection legislation in a generation and contains effective measures to keep children safe.

Some of the measures include introducing a register for children not in school and increasing regulation and inspection of serious teacher misconduct cases. The introduction of multi-agency child protection teams is also an essential element.

Other central features of the bill also focus on reducing the cost of sending children to school. One key provision is the cap on the number of branded school uniform items. Research shows that almost half of parents are concerned about the cost of uniforms, and more than one in ten experience financial hardship due to these expenses. Estimates indicate this legislation could save parents over £50 per child on their back-to-school shopping.

The bill also includes our plan for free breakfast clubs in primary schools, which could save families an estimated £450 per year for each child. The measures outlined in the bill could help keep approximately £500 in parents’ pockets.

Breaking down the barriers to opportunity is a key pledge for this government. We have outlined a number of reforms to schools in order to drive higher standards. This includes putting more qualified, expert teachers at the front of classrooms and rolling out a new, cutting-edge national curriculum designed to ensure young people are ready for work and ready for life.

This landmark bill should have been supported by all parties across the house.

The Conservatives and Reform both proposed reasoned amendments, arguing that the bill did not call for a new inquiry into child sexual exploitation. Had either of these amendments passed, the bill could not have proceeded on its journey through the House of Commons. This would mean no national inquiry, no free breakfast clubs, no cheaper school uniforms, and no support for vulnerable children in our community.

Whilst in government, Theresa May commissioned a National Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. The inquiry took seven years to complete and reported in 2022. It engaged with over 7,000 victims, reviewed 2 million pages of evidence, and published 61 reports. The inquiry made 20 recommendations to the previous government, none of which were implemented. This Labour Government is committed to implementing the recommendations outlined in the report, and this work is already underway.

To be clear, this bill will deliver additional safety for our children, break down barriers to opportunity, and enhance their futures.