The Welsh Local Government Association (WLGA) has reaffirmed its support for provisions of the UK Government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that apply to Wales, ahead of a Legislative Consent Motion (LCM) debate in the Senedd.
The Bill, which was extended to cover Wales in March 2025, includes provisions relating to Children Not in School, child employment, and aspects of social care legislation.
The Children Not in School measures introduce additional safeguards to support local authorities in ensuring that children who are home educated are receiving a suitable education, alongside enhanced checks where children are subject to child protection measures or have been within the past five years.
Welsh councils have consistently raised concerns about how best to support children who are not in school, particularly where safeguarding issues are present.
The WLGA has previously welcomed these provisions as a step towards providing greater clarity and consistency for local authorities in carrying out their statutory responsibilities.
Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA Spokesperson for Education, said:
“Councils have been clear for some time about the challenges they face in supporting children who are not in school, particularly where there are safeguarding concerns. These provisions provide greater clarity for local authorities in carrying out this work and help strengthen existing safeguarding arrangements.
“It is important that these measures are implemented in a way that is proportionate and workable at a local level, and that councils have the capacity and support needed to deliver them effectively.
“The WLGA will continue to engage with Welsh Government and partners as the Bill is considered by the Senedd and, subject to approval, as the provisions are put into practice.”