Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act (the Act) received Royal Assent on 29 April 2026. The Act is a major piece of education and safeguarding legislation with implications for all schools, but particularly for academies whose legal framework will now be more closely aligned with maintained schools.

Last year, we published a briefing on the key proposed provisions of the Bill and their practical implications for schools. Now that the Act has been finalised, we have updated that briefing to reflect the legislation as enacted. Our updated briefing, linked below, highlights the key provisions for schools, with particular focus on pupil safeguarding, staff employment and school governance. It also outlines the implementation timetable and includes a list of priority actions.

If you have any questions, please contact our expert team.

For employment queries:  JeanBoyle@stoneking.co.uk

For education queries: MichaelBrotherton@stoneking.co.uk

This document was updated on 02/06/2026