Senedd backs reforms to protect children in home and informal education 

The Senedd voted yesterday to approve the Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) for the UK Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Humanists UK has welcomed this vote, describing it as an important step towards stronger and more consistent safeguarding of children in Wales.

The motion, tabled by Education Secretary Lynne Neagle MS, means that Wales will adopt measures consistent with those set to be introduced in England to improve oversight of home education and out-of-school settings, areas where safeguarding protections have historically been inconsistent. 

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill introduces measures designed to address longstanding concerns about children who may fall outside the formal school system. These include stronger registration and oversight of children educated at home, greater scrutiny of unregistered education settings, and improved mechanisms for identifying children at risk of harm.

Humanists UK has previously highlighted that gaps in oversight can leave some children vulnerable, particularly in unregulated settings where there is limited visibility for local authorities. The Senedd’s support for the bill will create a joined-up approach across England and Wales, avoiding a fragmented system of protections.

Wales Humanists Coordinator Kathy Riddick commented:

‘Every child deserves the same level of protection, regardless of whether they are in school, educated at home, or attending an out-of-school setting.

‘We have long supported reforms to improve transparency and accountability in home education and other educational environments. Choice in education settings must always be balanced with children’s rights to safety and wellbeing.’