Children’s Wellbeing Bill 2026: What Home Educating Families Need to Know

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

1. Don’t panic. The law hasn’t changed yet and implementation is months away.
2. Start keeping records. Weekly logs of activities, resources, and development.
3. Know your current rights. Our Home Ed Starter Checklist covers everything.
4. Write to your MP if you have concerns — the ping pong stage is where final amendments happen.
5. Stay informed. We’ll update this post as the Bill progresses.

Timeline

• 15 April 2026: Consideration of Lords message
• April/May 2026: Expected Royal Assent
• After Royal Assent: Public consultation on regulations
• Late 2026 (earliest): New requirements take effect

Further Reading

For the full legal framework, deregistration templates, and LA response letters, see our Complete Home Ed Startup Kit. For a quick overview, grab the free Home Ed Starter Checklist.

Official sources: Parliament Bill tracker · Ed Yourself · Education Otherwise

Common Questions About Home Education in the UK

Do I need to follow the National Curriculum?

No. Home educating families in England and Wales are not required to follow the National Curriculum, use timetables, have formal lessons, or work set hours. The legal requirement is to provide an “efficient full-time education suitable to the child’s age, ability and aptitude.” How you achieve that is entirely up to you. Many families use a mix of structured resources, interest-led learning, outdoor education, and real-world experiences.

What about socialisation?

This is the question every home educating parent gets asked. Home educated children socialise through home ed groups (most areas have active local groups that meet weekly), sports clubs, Scouts and Guides, music lessons, co-op classes, community activities, and spending time with people of all ages — not just children born in the same 12-month window. Research consistently shows that home educated children develop strong social skills and are often more confident communicating with adults.

Can I home educate if I work?

Yes, though it requires planning. Many home educating parents work part-time, freelance, or have flexible arrangements. Some families share teaching responsibilities between two parents. Others use structured online programmes during work hours and do more interactive learning in the evenings and weekends. It’s not easy, but it’s done by thousands of UK families every day.

If you’re just starting out or thinking about deregistering, our Home Education Hub has everything you need — from understanding your legal rights to practical guides on timetables that actually work. For a complete starter pack with deregistration letter templates and resource lists, see our free Home Ed Starter Checklist.

Home education is a legal right in the UK. It is not “alternative” education — it is the original form of education. Schools have only been compulsory since 1880. Your right to educate your children at home predates the state school system by centuries.