ASCL responds to Education Committee report on Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Responding to a report by Education Committee, which makes several recommendations on ways to improve the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, Pepe Di'Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, said:

“There is much merit to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, but it is unsurprising that such a complex piece of legislation has caused concerns in several areas. It is important that the government uses the consultation period to address these and move forward with a Bill that has widespread support.  

“Many of the Education Committee's recommendations seem sensible. We particularly agree with the need to introduce a system of auto-enrolment for all children and young people who are eligible for free school meals. This is something we have long called for, to ensure that nobody misses out unnecessarily, and should be a relatively straightforward change that could make a big difference to vulnerable families.

“We also hold concerns around the logistics and funding of the breakfast club policy and urge the government to learn from the early adopter scheme and make changes accordingly.”