Families could save up to £1,000 a year from this September as new measures to expand free school meals, roll out free breakfast clubs, and reduce the cost of school uniforms come into effect. The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act, introduced by the Labour government on April 29, aims to cut costs for families, protect vulnerable children, and raise standards from early years to adulthood.
New School Uniform Law
From September 1, schools must limit branded uniform items to three (excluding ties), making uniforms significantly cheaper. The Department for Education stated that the affordability of school uniforms 'should never be a barrier to the schools for which parents apply'. Additionally, more children will qualify for free school meals, and over 2,000 free breakfast clubs will open to support families and pupils' learning.
Government and Expert Reactions
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: 'This landmark legislation fixes the foundations in our schools, puts money back into parents’ pockets, and provides critical new protections for our most vulnerable children. From lifting the two-child limit to transforming the life chances of children with SEND, this government is already making strides to cut the link between background and success.'
Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, added: 'Millions of parents are struggling with added school costs like expensive school uniform. Rising costs are hitting everyone hard, but parents have school costs they have no option but to pay. The Act will make a difference to these parents by tackling the cost of living and putting limits on expensive uniform items. This will help struggling parents, including many on middle incomes too. Free breakfast clubs and cheaper uniforms will help parents and tackle some of the extra costs that make life more difficult for parents.'
Additional Measures
The Act strengthens child protection by prioritising safety, tackling illegal children's homes, and giving Ofsted more power. It also supports reforms to reduce the attainment gap and improve SEND support. New rules will improve information sharing and allow earlier help for children, supported by a new Single Unique Identifier and a duty to share safety information. 'Children Not in School' registers will ensure every child is known to local authorities and receiving a suitable education.
Schools must follow guidance on limiting mobile phone use, and multi-academy trusts will be inspected and follow national standards. A new admissions system will help ensure enough school places, with the Schools Adjudicator stepping in if needed.
Children's Commissioner's View
Children's Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza said: 'The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act is a significant step towards a more joined up, child-centred approach to children's social care, education and safety. I have long called for many of the measures included in the legislation like a single unique identifier for children and stronger protections to keep siblings together in care. Vitally, it will strengthen safeguarding protections for children, particularly those who, as tragically happened to Sara Sharif, face being removed from school despite serious safeguarding concerns. This Act will bring about welcome change, but the true test will be how quickly and effectively these reforms are delivered for children who have been let down for too long. The government must be ambitious in their implementation of the Act so these measures have a tangible impact on children’s lives as soon as possible.'
