The Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill. March 2025 update.
Labour MPs have voted to back the Children’s Wellbeing & Schools Bill.
I’m appalled but not surprised.
So what happens now?
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill has now finished its journey through the House of Commons, but MPs can still submit written questions and contact the minister on behalf of their constituents. The bill has now moved to the House of Lords, where it will go through the next stages of scrutiny.
📅 What happens next?
- First reading is set for Wednesday 19th March—this is just a procedural step with no debate.
- Second reading, where Lords will start discussing key issues, doesn't at time of writing have a confirmed date. Follow it's progress and key dates here.
- The committee stage in the Lords is different from the Commons. Instead of a small, selected group reviewing the bill, any member of the Lords can take part in examining specific sections.
📜 How laws are made
A bill must pass through both Houses of Parliament - read how it works here - before it can become law. Because this bill started in the Commons (unlike the 2022 Schools Bill, which started in the Lords), the process takes time. Nothing changes until the bill is fully passed and even then, sections of the law must be ‘commenced’ before coming into force.
Even if this bill becomes law, there will still be further delays as details of secondary legislation (regulations and statutory guidance) are worked out. Only after this would relevant sections of the bill be put into effect.
💬 It’s crucial to keep raising concerns. You can write to your MP using this link. Explain why this bill affects you and your family—every letter counts.
📖 Read about the bill’s key issues here.
#ChildrensWellbeingBill #AreYouListeningNow #HomeEducation
