Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill Remaining Stages

On 17 and 18 March 2025 the House of Commons met to debate the remaining stages of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. 

New Clause 36 – This new clause would require the Secretary of State to take action to promote children’s wellbeing in relation to mobile phones and social media by commissioning a report from the Chief Medical Officers and requiring schools to ban the use of mobile telephones during the school day. Ayes 159 Noes 317

Amendment 188: This amendment would require an inspection if the Chief Inspector of Education, Children’s Services and Skills believes that are reasons to cancel a children’s home registration, rather than issue an improvement plan notice. Ayes 160 Noes 319

Amendment 171: This amendment would include independent special schools within the profit cap provision. Ayes 56 Noes 317

New Clause 7: This clause would ensure that free school meals are provided to all children in England who are eligible to receive free school meals; and  all children whose household income is less than £20,000 per year. Ayes 77 Noes 313

New Clause 34: This new clause would extend free school lunches to all primary school age children in state funded schools. Ayes 77 Noes 315

Amendment 209: This amendment would remove clause45, which concerns the repeal of duty to make Academy order in relation to school causing concern. Ayes 107 Noes 324

Amendment 210: This amendment would remove clause 50, which concerns the functions of the adjudicator in relation to admission numbers. Ayes 167 Noes 324

Finally, the Bill was read a third time with the Ayes 382  Noes: 104. The Bill will now be considered in the House of Lords.