Members of the House of Lords, including a former Secretary of State for Education and former teachers, debated the key principles and purpose of the Children and Families Bill during second reading yesterday (Tuesday 2 July).
Lord Nash (Conservative), Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Schools, opened the debate setting out the objectives of the bill. Members debated the issues covered in the bill spanning adoption, working rights for parents, children and education.
The Children and Families Bill now moves to committee stage, the chance for line by line scrutiny. A date is yet to be scheduled.
Children and Family Bill summary
The Bill seeks to reform legislation relating to the following areas:
- adoption and children in care
- aspects of the family justice system
- children and young people with special educational needs
- the Office of the Children’s Commissioner for England
- statutory rights to leave and pay for parents and adopters
- time off work for ante-natal care
- the right to request flexible working.
Further information