The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act became law on 29th April 2026. It covers school costs, child safeguarding, home education and how schools are run. Different parts start at different times. This is a summary of the measures most relevant to the children, families and schools we work with.
Costs
Several cost measures begin in September 2026. The government estimates about 500,000 more children will become eligible for free school meals. Primary schools will have to offer a free breakfast club. Schools will be limited to requiring three branded uniform items, not counting ties. The Department says families could save up to £1,000 a year in some cases.
Safeguarding
Schools and children’s social care will have a clear legal duty to share information when there is a safeguarding concern. A Single Unique Identifier for each child is being piloted, designed to help services keep track of children who might otherwise be missed. Local safeguarding partners (the council, police and health services) must also give schools, nurseries and colleges a bigger say in local decisions.
Home education
Every local authority in England will keep a register of children who are not in school. Some children will need extra checks before moving to home education, including those under a child protection plan or investigation, or who have been in the last five years, and children at special schools. Parents can still home educate if the education is suitable and safe. Councils can step in if they judge it is not, including by requiring the child to attend school.
In the classroom
From September 2027, new teachers in state schools must hold qualified teacher status or be working towards it. All state-funded schools, including academies, will teach the new national curriculum once it is finalised.
Funding for families
The government has committed £2.4 billion over three years to children’s social care reform, including Family Help services for families facing difficulties such as mental health problems.
What this means for us
Much of this starts with children being noticed early and the adults around them working together. That’s at the heart of what we do.
We support children and families from our hub in Twickenham, as well as through our work in schools and the wider community.
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Parents and carers
Schools and professionals
Source: Department for Education, The Education Hub, 12 May 2026. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/2026/05/the-childrens-wellbeing-bill-what-parents-need-to-know/
