The Department for Education has introduced a new bill to Parliament aiming to protect vulnerable children and make changes to the school system


The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, introduced in Parliament on Tuesday, includes a range of measures to support children and families, covering areas such as school reform, home education, and safeguarding. Its goal is to ensure that no child falls through the cracks in services and that families receive the support they need.

Teachers are often the first to notice signs of abuse or neglect. Last year, schools were the second-largest source of referrals to children's social care. The bill ensures that teachers and schools are consistently involved in decisions related to child safeguarding in their communities. It also gives local authorities the power to step in and demand attendance if a child’s home environment is deemed unsafe or unsuitable.

According to the latest government figures, the number of children being home-educated in England has increased by 20% this year. The Education Policy Institute has warned that as many as 300,000 children may be completely missing from education. 

The bill will remove the automatic right for parents to home-school their child if they are being investigated for protection concerns or are on a protection plan due to suspected risk of harm. New registers will be introduced to track children who are not attending school, along with unique identification numbers to record any issues and help prevent children from being overlooked.

In a statement, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said:

“In recent years, too many children have been failed by their last line of defence: the state. This bill will be a seminal moment for child protection. No more words, no more lessons learnt. This government will put children first at every turn. 

That means a child-centred government, with better protections for young people and real join up between children’s social care, schools and local services. Alongside further measures to drive high and rising standards in our schools, this bill will deliver on this government’s Plan for Change, so that all children, whatever their circumstances, can achieve and thrive.” 

The government is also increasing its investment in Family Help services to £500 million next year. This funding boost will provide more support for families facing challenges such as mental health issues or substance misuse, helping to identify and assist at-risk children earlier.

If you’re worried about your own, or your child’s mental health, you may benefit from speaking to a professional. You can find qualified counsellors and therapists on Counselling Directory.

If you are a child or young person looking for help, please call Childline on 0800 1111. If you are an adult concerned about a child, please call NSPCC’s helpline on 0808 800 5000.