- 15/04/2026
- Posted by: Valerie Vaz MP
- Category: News
On Wednesday 15 April 2026 the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill returned for further consideration in the Commons. The Government agreed to some important amendments from the Lords. For example, amendment 17B strengthens the right of children in care to maintain contact with their siblings, including half and stepsiblings. Too many children in care lose touch with their brothers and sisters, and this amendment helps protect those vital relationships.
Another key change is amendment 105B, which puts allergy safety in schools on a statutory footing. It requires every school to have an allergy safety policy, review it regularly, and make it publicly available. Regulations will also set out expectations on stocking adrenalin devices, providing allergy awareness training, and reporting incidents. This is known as Benedict’s Law, in memory of Helen Blythe’s son Benedict, who tragically died after an allergic reaction at school. This amendment is an important step in ensuring that every child with allergies can attend school safely.
On amendment 38, concerning social media bans for children, the Government explained that the proposal was too narrow and that its ongoing consultation covers a wider range of online services and features. I welcome the Government’s amendment in lieu, which requires the Secretary of State to update Parliament on progress within six months of the Bill passing, if action has not already been taken by then.
Amendment 106 focuses on mobile phones in schools. The Government has said that this amendment is unnecessary because it has already been clear that phones should not be used at any point during the school day. I welcome the strengthened guidance and the expectation that Ofsted will check whether bans are being enforced. The Government has also committed to making this guidance statutory if the consultation shows that this would be helpful.
The Government did not accept Lords amendment 41B on school uniform costs, saying it could create uncertainty for schools and parents. On amendment 102, relating to school admissions, the Government has already committed to regulations that make clear that school quality and parental choice will be central to decisions about admission numbers. The Government’s amendment in lieu reflects this and gives parents a choice of high-quality school places close to home.
Another key change is amendment 105B, which puts allergy safety in schools on a statutory footing. It requires every school to have an allergy safety policy, review it regularly, and make it publicly available. Regulations will also set out expectations on stocking adrenalin devices, providing allergy awareness training, and reporting incidents. This is known as Benedict’s Law, in memory of Helen Blythe’s son Benedict, who tragically died after an allergic reaction at school. This amendment is an important step in ensuring that every child with allergies can attend school safely.
On amendment 38, concerning social media bans for children, the Government explained that the proposal was too narrow and that its ongoing consultation covers a wider range of online services and features. I welcome the Government’s amendment in lieu, which requires the Secretary of State to update Parliament on progress within six months of the Bill passing, if action has not already been taken by then.
Amendment 106 focuses on mobile phones in schools. The Government has said that this amendment is unnecessary because it has already been clear that phones should not be used at any point during the school day. I welcome the strengthened guidance and the expectation that Ofsted will check whether bans are being enforced. The Government has also committed to making this guidance statutory if the consultation shows that this would be helpful.
The Government did not accept Lords amendment 41B on school uniform costs, saying it could create uncertainty for schools and parents. On amendment 102, relating to school admissions, the Government has already committed to regulations that make clear that school quality and parental choice will be central to decisions about admission numbers. The Government’s amendment in lieu reflects this and gives parents a choice of high-quality school places close to home.
motion relating to Lords Amendment 38 Ayes 256, Noes 150
motion to disagree with Lords Amendment 41B Ayes 254, Noes 144