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

Tobacco and Vapes Bill: HL Bill 89 of 2024–25

The bill aims to create a 'smoke-free generation' by banning tobacco sales to anyone born on or after 1 January 2009, alongside other measures to tackle smoking and tobacco harms. It would also further regulate vaping, curbing its appeal to children, while enabling adult smokers to use vapes as a quitting tool. The bill is similar to the Tobacco and Vapes Bill which fell at dissolution 2024.

Tobacco and Vapes Bill: HL Bill 89 of 2024–25

  • In Focus

    ‘A plan to fix our broken food system’: House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee report

    In October 2024, a report from the House of Lords Food, Diet and Obesity Committee concluded that poor-quality diets were contributing to an obesity crisis in England. It said that successive governments had failed to tackle the issue, and more regulation was now needed. This briefing summarises the committee’s recommendations, the government’s response in January 2025, and reaction to both reports.

  • In Focus

    Covid-19 pandemic: Support for the bereaved

    On 9 March, the Covid-19 Day of Reflection 2025 took place to mark five years since the start of the pandemic in the UK. This briefing has been prepared ahead of a debate in the House of Lords focused on the support available to those bereaved because of Covid-19. It outlines the help available for families and sets out background information on the Covid-19 Day of Reflection, as well as the UK Covid-19 inquiry.

  • In Focus

    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.

  • Research Briefing

    Education (Assemblies) Bill [HL]:HL Bill 35 of 2024-25

    The Education (Assemblies) Bill [HL] is a private member’s bill introduced by Baroness Burt of Solihull (Liberal Democrat). It would repeal the requirement for schools in England without a designated religious character to provide daily acts of collective religious worship. In its place, the bill would establish a new duty to provide non-religious assemblies which develop the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural education of pupils.

  • In Focus

    Creative industries: Growth, jobs and productivity

    The government has identified the creative industries as one of eight “growth driving” sectors it will prioritise in its industrial strategy. The strategy is due to be published later this year, along with a creative industries sector plan. The creative industries have called on barriers to growth, such as skills gaps and access to funding, to be addressed in the sector plan.

  • Research Briefing

    Renters’ Rights Bill: HL Bill 60 of 2024–25

    The Renters' Rights Bill would enact significant reform of the private rental sector (PRS). The bill’s provisions are centred on the PRS in England, though some measures would apply to Scotland and Wales. Many of the provisions in the bill are similar to the Renters (Reform) Bill 2023–24 introduced by the then Conservative government, but with several key differences including ending rental bidding and curtailing rent payments in advance of a tenancy.

  • In Focus

    Lifelong learning: England’s adult education sector and the government’s plan for skills

    Lifelong learning can have social, professional and health benefits. However, funding and student numbers have decreased over the past decade. Government policies aim to align skills and learning opportunities with local and national economic priorities. Policies include devolving adult skills funding to mayoral authorities, introducing the lifelong learning entitlement, and establishing Skills England.

  • In Focus

    The Office for Students: Proposed strategy and decision to pause applications

    The Office for Students (OfS) strategy for 2025 to 2030 establishes priorities in the areas of quality, student experience, and sector resilience. The OfS is currently pausing aspects of its regulatory functions to focus on financial sustainability among education providers. This action is supported by the government. However, critics argue the OfS’s decision will cause financial difficulties to some education providers and leave some students without the protection of the regulator.

  • Research Briefing

    Non-Domestic Rating (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill: HL Bill 61 of 2024–25

    This government bill would enable changes to the business rates regime. It would allow the introduction of additional business rate multipliers to increase business rates for larger properties and reduce business rates for retail, hospitality and leisure properties, and the removal of charitable rate relief from some private schools that are charities.

  • In Focus

    Academy schools: Government plans for change

    The number of academy schools has increased significantly since 2010. In England, 43.5% of all schools were academies in the 2023/24 academic year. The government has announced plans to change the rules academy schools must follow. Some of these changes are set out in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

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