The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024-25 was introduced on 17 December 2024. It is bill 151 of the 2024-25 parliamentary session. The bill is listed for second reading on 8 January 2025.
The government intends the bill to improve the safeguarding of children (such as in care institutions and schools) and to raise educational standards.
This briefing does not provide an exhaustive guide to every clause of the bill. Analysis focuses on clauses that have legally or politically significant effects. See the bill’s explanatory notes for further detail on other clauses.
The government has also published a policy summary for the bill, which provides detailed information on its proposals.
Children social care and schools are devolved policy issues. Most of the bill’s provisions extend to England and Wales and would apply in England only. Clause 10 (on deprivation of liberty orders) also extends to Scotland as it makes consequential amendments to Scottish legislation.
