In a significant move, UK lawmakers have backed better safeguards for home-schooled children, following the brutal murder of 10-year-old Sara Sharif. The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill progressed to the next stage of the parliamentary process after MPs rejected an amendment that threatened to derail the legislation.
The bill aims to protect vulnerable youngsters by requiring local authorities to hold a register of children not in school. It would also remove a parent’s right to take children out of school for home education if the child is suspected of being at risk of significant harm. A unique number would be assigned to children to better monitor at-risk cases, similar to national insurance numbers for adults.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson hailed the bill as “the single biggest piece of children safeguarding legislation in a generation.” The legislation comes after Sara Sharif’s father and stepmother were convicted of her murder, which highlighted concerns about child protection
The debate was overshadowed by the ongoing row over grooming gangs, with the opposition Conservative party seeking a new national inquiry into sex offenses dating back decades. However, Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected calls for a new inquiry, emphasizing the need for “action” to implement existing recommendations.
The controversy has been fueled by US tech billionaire Elon Musk’s incendiary attacks on Starmer, as well as demands from far-right UK figures and the Conservatives for a probe into widespread sexual abuse in northern English towns.
In response to the growing pressure, Starmer’s government announced new curbs on Monday, requiring professionals to report claims of sexual abuse against children. The move aims to strengthen child protection measures and address concerns surrounding grooming gangs.
Key Measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
Register of Home-Schooled Children: Local authorities must hold a register of children not in school.
Removal of Parental Right: Parents cannot take children out of school for home education if the child is suspected of being at risk of significant harm.
Unique Child Identifier: A unique number would be assigned to children to better monitor at-risk cases.
The bill’s progression marks a significant step towards strengthening child protection measures in the UK. However, the ongoing controversy surrounding grooming gangs and the demand for a new national inquiry are likely to continue.
