Stop the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill | Protests Across England
Families across England unite to oppose the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill
On Sunday the 13th of July, families, educators, and allies gathered in towns and cities across England to protest the proposed Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, a controversial piece of legislation that many believe would harm, not help, young people. The bill is being presented as a measure to improve child welfare and educational standards. However, it has raised serious concerns that it represents a significant overreach by the Government. Many fear that it undermines parental rights, restricts educational freedom, and expands state control over family life.
From Bournemouth to Bradford, and Sunderland to London, protesters came together with peaceful hearts and hopeful voices. The marches were filled with banners, songs, and heartfelt speeches - all carrying powerful messages. Children aren’t problems to manage. They deserve care, choice, and the chance to grow on their own terms. Children thrive when they’re given space, understanding, and genuine care - not surveillance and control.
Parents pushed prams, children held signs, and teens stood shoulder to shoulder with elders. Many of the marchers were home-educating families, deeply concerned that the bill would erode their rights and subject children to unnecessary interference by the state. Many parents passing by had never heard of the bill, and were shocked to learn what it could mean for their children.
The bill has sparked widespread opposition across the home education community, education professionals, and civil liberties advocates. Critics argue it gives the government sweeping powers to monitor and assess children, particularly those educated outside of school, under the guise of “wellbeing.” Despite the seriousness of the issue, Sunday’s marches had a determined energy. There was a strong sense of solidarity and a shared hope that by standing up now, we can build a better future for all our children.
I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved - whether you marched in person, shared posts online, made banners, or worked quietly behind the scenes to help make it all happen.
👉 Share your story. A short post about why you oppose the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill can go a long way. Real voices make the issue human, and harder to ignore.
Other quick actions:
– Share photos or videos on social media from the marches using the hashtags #AreYouListeningNow #SupportMultiCityProtest
– Talk to friends, neighbours, or local groups about the bill
– Write to your MP
Every voice adds pressure. Every action matters.
I'm also taking part in #100DaysOfHomeEd to raise home education's profile on social media. Find them on Facebook and Instagram.
Here’s a webpage of CWS Bill info, and other peoples articles on the bill: https://homeeducationuk.my.canva.site/childrens-wellbeing-bill
There’s also my page of what to do next and actions to take: https://www.thehomeeddaily.co.uk/article/2025/06/03/childrens-wellbeing-and-schools-bill-what-parents-need-know-and-what-do-now
📅 What happens next?
- Follow it's progress and key dates here.
- The bill is currently in the committee stage in The House of Lords. This is different from the Commons. Instead of a small, selected group reviewing the bill, any member of the Lords can take part in examining specific sections. During committee stage every clause of the bill has to be agreed to and votes on any amendments can take place.
📜 How laws are made
A bill must pass through both Houses of Parliament - read how all the stages work here - before it can become law. Because this bill started in the Commons (unlike the 2022 Schools Bill, which started in the Lords), the process takes time. Nothing changes until the bill is fully passed and even then, sections of the law must be ‘commenced’ before coming into force.
Even if this bill becomes law, there will still be further delays as details of secondary legislation (regulations and statutory guidance) are worked out. Only after this would relevant sections of the bill be put into effect.
