Part 1 of the bill includes measures aimed at improving the wellbeing of children, such as provisions to further regulate children’s homes and increase support for care leavers. Part 2 includes measures concerning schools such as the introduction of free breakfast clubs in state primary schools, introducing a register of children not in school and a number of measures about academies.

Many proposals in the bill, particularly in part 1 of the bill, have cross-party support. Some proposals on schools, particularly with regards to academies, have been more contentious. No non-government amendments were made during the bill’s passage in the House of Commons; there were several government amendments. The Education Committee chair, amongst others, expressed concern regarding the speed of the bill’s passage and number of government amendments at a later stage of the bill.

The majority of the bill’s measures would extend to England and Wales and apply to England. Most measures in the bill would come into force on a day specified in regulations by the secretary of state. Some would come into force two months after the act was passed.


Related posts

  • Antisemitism on university campuses

    The Community Security Trust, a UK charity that works to protect Jews from antisemitism and other threats, has reported a significant increase in antisemitic incidents on UK university campuses following the start of the current conflict in the Middle East. This briefing provides background information on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism and its adoption by UK universities, before concluding with a summary of recent government policy to tackle antisemitism in the higher education sector.

    Antisemitism on university campuses
  • Ready to learn: Increasing the number of five-year-olds with a good level of development

    In its 2024 general election manifesto the Labour Party identified young children not being ready to start school as a barrier to achievement. It stated that “too many children arrive at primary school not ready to learn”. In December 2024 the prime minister said increasing the number of children who start school at a good level of development was one of his government’s six milestones for the current parliament. This briefing looks at what defines school readiness, how many children meet the standard and how the government has said it will make improvements.

    Ready to learn: Increasing the number of five-year-olds with a good level of development
  • International Women’s Day 2025: Women in science and technology

    On 6 March 2025, the House of Lords is scheduled to hold a debate marking International Women’s Day focused on the steps being taken to promote women’s participation and leadership in science and technology. The motion for the debate is sponsored by Baroness Gustafsson, the government minister for investment. This briefing provides an overview of data and research in this area, as well as information on government policy.

    International Women’s Day 2025: Women in science and technology