Children’s Wellbeing Bill 2026: What Home Educating Families Need to Know
4 April 2026 · 2 min read · By Heather
If you home educate — or you’re thinking about it — the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is the biggest change to home education law in England since 1996. Here’s what’s actually happening, what it means for your family, and what to do next.
Last updated: April 2026. Regularly updated as the Bill progresses.
Where the Bill Is Now (April 2026)
The Bill was introduced on 17 December 2024. It passed the Commons, completed Lords stages (Report 3 February, Third Reading 9 February 2026), and returned to the Commons for consideration of Lords amendments on 9 March 2026. It’s now in ping pong — the next event is 15 April 2026. Royal Assent is expected by Easter 2026.
Even after Royal Assent, the home education provisions cannot take effect immediately. Secondary legislation, statutory guidance, and a public consultation must happen first. The earliest new rules could apply is late 2026.
What Changes for Home Educators
Mandatory Registration
All home-educated children must be placed on a local authority register — including those already home educating. Parents must provide basic details and keep them updated.
Consent for Some Families
If your child is or has recently been subject to child protection enquiries (Section 47 Children Act 1989), care proceedings (Section 31), or classified as a child in need (Section 17), the LA must consent before you can deregister. An amendment at Lords Report Stage on 28 January 2026 widened this to include families who have ever been subject to Section 31 or 47 proceedings.
Home Visit Powers
The LA can request a home visit within 15 days of registration. If you refuse, this can be used as a factor in School Attendance Order decisions. Under current law, refusing a visit has no consequences.
Home Environment Assessment
The LA must consider whether your home is “conducive to the child receiving a suitable education.” This is new — currently they can only enquire about the education itself.
What Is NOT Changing
Your right to home educate — Section 7 of the Education Act 1996 remains
Freedom from the National Curriculum
No teaching qualifications required
The legal definitions of “suitable” and “efficient” education
No LA power over your educational approach or content
What to Do Right Now
Don’t panic. The law hasn’t changed yet and implementation is months away.
Start keeping records. Weekly logs of activities, resources, and development.
Legal Disclaimer — Home Education: This content provides general information about home education law in England and Wales as of April 2026. It is not legal advice. The law in this area is actively changing — the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill is expected to receive Royal Assent in 2026 and will introduce new requirements including mandatory registration for home-educating families. For advice about your specific circumstances, consult a qualified solicitor, contact Education Otherwise (educationotherwise.org), or seek guidance from your local home education support network. Darling Mellow Ltd (Company No: 16314161) accepts no liability for any decisions made or actions taken based on the information provided. You are responsible for verifying the current legal position before acting.
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