Major reforms to UK education system have officially come into force after the government’s Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act became law, introducing a package of measures aimed at cutting school costs for families, expanding access to free meals, and strengthening child protection across England.

At the centre of the reforms are changes designed to reduce everyday school expenses, including new legal limits on branded school uniforms and the expansion of free school meals to an additional half a million children.

The government has also confirmed the rollout of more than 2,000 free breakfast clubs from September, aimed at supporting families while ensuring children start the school day properly fed and ready to learn.

According to Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, the reforms are intended not only to ease cost-of-living pressures but also to improve educational outcomes by tackling inequality early and supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“This landmark legislation fixes the foundations in our schools, puts money back into parents’ pockets,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.
“These new laws are another major milestone in our mission to make sure every child wherever they grow up and go to school – has the opportunity to succeed.”
Bridget Phillipson

Alongside financial measures, the Act introduces new rules designed to standardise school practices across the country. Schools will be required to follow government guidance on mobile phone use during the school day, part of a wider effort to improve classroom focus and consistency.

Multi-academy trusts will also face dedicated inspections for the first time, with additional requirements to follow the national curriculum and adhere to national teacher pay and conditions.

According to the government, these changes are intended to strengthen accountability within a rapidly evolving school system and ensure a more uniform standard of education delivery.

Moreover, a revised admissions framework has also been introduced, aimed at improving the allocation of school places, with regulators given greater authority to step in where local disputes arise.

Major Safeguarding Overhaul Targets Gaps in Child Protection

Children’s Commissioner, Dame Rachel de Souza

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act introduces a major overhaul of safeguarding arrangements for children, aimed at closing gaps in information sharing and ensuring earlier intervention where risks are identified.

The implementation of a Single Unique Identifier for children, which is presently being tested, is a key component of the changes. Its purpose is to guarantee that every kid is still visible to public services.

This system will be supported by a new legal duty requiring agencies to share information relating to child safety and welfare, addressing longstanding concerns that critical details can be missed when children move between services.

Local authorities will also be required to maintain registers of children not in school, including those who are educated at home. The aim is to ensure that all children are accounted for and receiving appropriate education, reducing the risk of individuals falling outside formal oversight systems.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza explained that, “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.”

“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.”
Dame Rachel de Souza

The Act further strengthens the care system, with new regional structures designed to help councils place children closer to home and reduce reliance on distant or inappropriate placements. Regulatory powers are also being expanded, allowing action against providers that fail to meet required standards, including illegal children’s homes.

The legislation extends “Staying Close” support across all councils, offering assistance up to the age of 25, while also placing greater emphasis on maintaining sibling relationships for children in care, recognising their importance for stability and emotional wellbeing.

According to Frank Young, Chief Executive of Parentkind, “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.”
Frank Young

He added that, “free breakfast clubs and cheaper uniforms will help parents and tackle some of the extra costs that make life more difficult for parents.”