What is the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill? Home Ed edition.

If you are a home educator it’s likely you have already heard about The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which has been making headlines recently, and is set to bring some big changes to the way home education is regulated in the UK.

However I have been asked many times what the bill actually includes (without all the faff and legal jargon) so In this bitesized blog, I’ll break down the key points of the proposed Bill in simple, straightforward terms. I will only be looking at the aspects of the bill relating to home education. This post is intended to help you understand the basics of what’s being proposed, without diving into why much of our community feel it is problematic.
(Disclaimer – I am not a legal expert; this is just written from my own understanding of the bill – I’m happy to be corrected on any points so please feel free to let me know in the comments if I’ve misunderstood anything)

I know many home educators have questions and concerns about how these changes might affect their families. In a follow-up blog, I’ll delve into the potential implications of the Bill and explore some of the criticisms it’s faced. For now, though, let’s focus on what’s being proposed and what it means for home education in the UK.

What is the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill?

According to the government the proposed Bill is part of a broader effort to ensure that all children in the UK receive a suitable education and are safeguarded, whether they attend school or are educated at home. It seeks to address gaps in oversight and accountability, with home education being one of its focus areas.

Key Proposals in the Bill

1. Mandatory Registration for Home-Educated Children

• Every child who is educated outside of a traditional school setting will need to be registered with their local authority.
• The registration process aims to ensure that the government knows where children are being educated and whether the education they are receiving meets minimum standards.
• This will include children being home educated, in alternative provisions, and other non-school settings.

2. Local Authority Oversight

• Local authorities will have greater powers to monitor home educated children.
• Parents may be required to submit evidence of their child’s education, such as work samples, curriculum plans, or progress reports.
• Authorities will assess whether the education provided is suitable and efficient, as defined by current laws.

3. Consent for Home Educating Certain Children

Parents will need permission from their local authority before they can home educate children who:

• Are under investigation for child protection concerns.
• Are subject to a child protection plan.
• Are enrolled in special schools or academies.

4. School Attendance Orders (SAOs)

• The Bill proposes changes to School Attendance Orders, which are issued when a local authority believes a child is not receiving a suitable education.
• The process for issuing and enforcing SAOs will be streamlined, with clear statutory deadlines.
• It will become an offense to withdraw a child from school without the proper procedure if they are subject to an SAO.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Parents who fail to register their home educated children or do not comply with the requirements (e.g., providing evidence of education) may face penalties.
• These penalties could include fines or, in extreme cases, imprisonment.

Why Are These Changes Being Introduced?

The government has expressed concerns about safeguarding and educational quality. High-profile cases of child abuse and neglect have been used to highlight the supposed risks of children being “off the radar.” According to the government the Bill aims to close these gaps by ensuring authorities have oversight of all children, regardless of their educational setting.

Conclusion

The proposed Children’s Wellbeing and schools Bill is a significant development for home educators in the UK. While it introduces measures intended to improve oversight and support, it has raised serious concerns within the home educating community regarding autonomy, privacy, and the potential impact on educational diversity.

This blog has aimed to outline the key aspects of the bill in simple terms, allowing families to better understand the changes being proposed. In a follow-up blog, I will explore the concerns in more detail and discuss how these changes may affect home educating families. Whilst on the surface the bill doesn’t seem too problematic, when you dive into it you will see just how much there is to discuss, so make sure you follow along.

For now, it’s essential to stay informed, engage in discussions, and ensure your voice is heard during the consultation process. Together, we can advocate for fair policies that respect the rights and needs of all children and families.

I highly recommend keeping a close eye on https://educationalfreedom.org.uk for up to date and detailed news about the bill.