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Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Bill - Sitting 1

14 October 2020

Proposing MP
Judith Cummins Lab
Bradford South
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the need to amend the Education Act 2002 and the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009 to ensure that all young people aged 16 to 19 are safeguarded equally in education. The statement discusses the Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Bill which aims to streamline safeguarding duties for post-16 education and training providers funded by the Government. The statement discusses the Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Bill which aims to extend safeguarding duties for children in education.

Action Requested

The MP proposes to enact the Education and Training (Welfare of Children) Bill which imposes direct safeguarding duties upon 16-to-19 academies, special post-16 institutions, and independent learning providers. The goal is to ensure that all young people are protected in the same way, regardless of the institution they attend.

Key Facts

  • Every child is currently protected by safeguarding duties, but not equally across different types of educational institutions.
  • The Bill amends the Education Act 2002 and the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009.
  • It will bring approximately 100 16-to-19 academies and 1,000 independent providers into scope for safeguarding duties.
  • The Bill aims to simplify and clarify safeguarding requirements across various post-16 education and training providers.
  • Providers funded by the Government will be required to make arrangements to safeguard and promote the welfare of children as a condition of funding.
  • The changes apply to academies, special post-16 institutions, independent training providers offering further education, and those delivering apprenticeships under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009.
  • The Bill extends safeguarding duties that already apply to schools and colleges to new settings.
  • Providers must clearly understand what is expected of them, enabling quick access to necessary help.
  • The hon. Member for City of Durham brought this issue to light.
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