When the State Decides for You: Why Every Parent Should Be Paying Attention to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Most parents haven’t heard much about the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. It’s moving quietly through Parliament, wrapped in reassuring language about wellbeing, safeguarding, consistency, and accountability.

On the surface, it sounds like a good idea. Who wouldn’t want a system that keeps children safe and supports their wellbeing? However, once you look beyond the headlines, it becomes clear that this Bill represents a major shift in who holds authority over a child’s life.

It moves decision-making away from parents and gives new power to local councils and government departments to decide what’s “right” for your child. This shift matters for every family in this country – not just those with children who have additional needs.

If Your Child is in Mainstream School, This Still Affects You

The Bill gives local authorities far greater control over education and attendance. This means they can question your decisions, define what’s “suitable,” and even refuse to let you remove your child from school if you believe that’s the best thing for them.

It introduces a compulsory national register for all children educated outside of school. This includes families who home educate, as well as those who temporarily withdraw their child due to bullying, anxiety, or unmet needs. Parents will have to submit detailed plans and justify their decisions to officials who may never have met their child.

What has always been a parental choice now becomes a permission-based process.

The Bill also proposes a national child identifier – a single record for every child that can be shared across government agencies. While the aim may be to improve coordination, it also opens the door to unprecedented levels of data sharing and oversight. Once a system like this is in place, there is no opt-out.

This Isn’t Just About SEND or Home Education – It’s About Every Family

If the state can decide what is “suitable” for one group of children, it can apply the same power to everyone.

Imagine your child being bullied, and you decide to move schools. The local authority could argue that the move isn’t in your child’s best interests.

If your child has attendance issues due to illness, anxiety, or family circumstances, that information could be shared and flagged as a safeguarding concern.

If you home educate for a short period, the authority could reject your plans as “unsuitable” and issue a School Attendance Order, forcing your child back into school.

This Bill risks turning parents into applicants for permission, rather than trusted partners in their child’s education.

The Illusion of Wellbeing

No one disputes the importance of protecting children, but wellbeing cannot be legislated. It grows from trust, understanding, and the relationships between families, schools, and professionals.

Parents are not the problem. They are the foundation of a child’s safety, identity, and success.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill sends the wrong message. It assumes that parents cannot be trusted to know what’s best for their own children.

What You Can Do

Read the Bill yourself. Don’t rely on headlines or summaries.

Write to your MP. Ask them to oppose the Bill in its current form and protect parental rights.

https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/722377

Talk about it. Share this article with friends, schools, and parent groups. Many families still have no idea this is happening.

Stay informed. SEND and Beyond will continue to publish updates, plain-language summaries, and practical advice for parents.

A Final Word

The right to make decisions for your child has always been a cornerstone of family life. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill changes that.

This isn’t a debate about SEND or home education – it’s about every parent, every child, and every family’s right to choose what is best for them.

Once you hand that decision over to the state, it is rarely given back. Wellbeing isn’t created by bureaucracy. It comes from love, trust, and partnership. That’s what truly helps children thrive.

Now is the time for parents to pay attention, ask questions, and make their voices heard.

Because if we lose this, we lose more than choice – we lose the right to parent our own children.

Understanding the Broader Implications

As the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill progresses, it’s vital to understand its broader implications. The shift in authority could lead to a standardisation of educational practices that may not suit every child.

The Role of Local Authorities

Local authorities are now positioned to make decisions that could significantly impact a child’s educational journey. This raises concerns about the consistency and quality of these decisions.

The Importance of Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is crucial in a child’s education. The Bill undermines this by suggesting that parents are not capable of making the best choices for their children.

The Future of Education

The future of education could be at stake. If local councils gain more power, the diversity in educational approaches may diminish.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill represents a significant shift in power dynamics between parents and the state. It is essential for parents to engage with this issue actively.

Let’s ensure that our voices are heard. Together, we can protect our rights and the rights of our children.

SEND and Beyond supports families, schools, and professionals with expert advocacy, training, and trauma-informed consultancy. www.sendandbeyond.co.uk