If you’re home educating, it's highly likely you've heard about the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Between the Bill itself (which is regularly being amended), social media posts, online forums, conversations and media reports, it can be a real challenge separating fact from speculation - and it's very easy to feel worried.

This post is about making sense of what’s being shared, avoiding unnecessary panic and taking practical steps, all while - most crucially - modelling critical thinking and good judgment for our kids.

The Bill will affect some areas of home education, which many are understandably worried about. These worries are genuine and valid - families have real reasons to be cautious about changes that will affect them.

But what’s also concerning is the amount of misleading or exaggerated claims circulating online, making a stressful situation even worse.

Why misinformation is a problem

Lots of home ed families are concerned about this Bill, particularly families in vulnerable situations, those with difficult past experiences with schools and LAs, or those who educate in very different ways from mainstream education.

At the same time, rumours and exaggerated claims can:

  • Increase anxiety for home ed parents and children
  • Cause unnecessary conflict with schools and the LA
  • Distract from practical steps families can take

A practical approach

Because the Bill is detailed and frequently amended as it moves through Parliament, staying constantly up to date isn’t straightforward. This ongoing uncertainty can fuel speculation and make it harder to quickly verify what’s accurate and what isn’t.

So rather than summarising it here and risking it being amended again by next week, I'll instead point you to some trustworthy places to read more about it and how it will affect home educators below:

  • For a clear and detailed breakdown of the Bill, visit Progressive Education's page on the CWS Bill here.
  • Education Otherwise have written a summary of the changes for home educators here and added the most recent amendments (Feb 2026) here. This is one of the best places to for staying up to date with accurate information.
  • You can also read the actual Bill here, (part 2, clauses 31-36)

From there, you can focus on productive action you can take:

  1. Stay connected: Local and national home ed groups monitor updates to the Bill and notify families of campaign events. These groups can also share templates and examples from real families, giving you a sense of what’s fair, reasonable and within your rights when dealing with schools and LAs. As with any topic, look for groups providing clear, factual updates.
  2. Talk to your MP: This one is so important and often overlooked. Many MPs are concerned with parts of the Bill too, although some are more responsive and supportive than others. If you can, sending a personal message by letter or email is much more impactful than a standard template. Even better, arranging a face-to-face meeting to explain your experiences and concerns can be really effective.
  3. Fact-checking before sharing: Try to avoid passing on information about the Bill unless you’re confident it’s accurate. False or exaggerated claims can quickly take on a life of their own. Sharing verified information can keep discussions productive and means families can respond effectively, rather than being misled or distracted by rumours.
  4. Consider involvement: Many events, campaigns and community activities related to the Bill - and similar efforts in the past - have been organised over the years. It's a really powerful way to raise awareness and has helped families successfully influence policy and decision-making. Local online communities are usually the best place to find out about these.

Modelling critical thinking

If appropriate, this is a great opportunity for us to show children how to:

  • Look at primary sources (like the Bill itself or trusted breakdowns)
  • Critically evaluate and fact-check information, especially from social media, messaging apps or word of mouth
  • Stay calm amid uncertainty in order to take productive and measured action based on facts rather than fear
These are crucial skills for children growing up in today's world of social media, AI and fast-moving news cycles. We have a real-life opportunity here to model to our kids how to handle and respond to information wisely.

Keeping perspective

If this Bill does get passed, many families may feel unsettled or unsure what it means for them. Here are a few things worth remembering:

  • Home education remains legal in the UK. There might be more paperwork and oversight in some cases, but this is not a ban.
  • You still have choices in how you educate and evidence learning.
  • The Bill aims to bring some additional support and resources for home ed families, which may be helpful for those who need it.
  • You’re not on your own. There are established appeal routes, ways to raise concerns and a strong home ed community sharing advice, support and lived experience.

Final Thoughts

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill is a hot topic, and it’s normal to have strong feelings about it. The lengthy and uncertain process, with amendments and updates coming over time, can make the situation feel drawn out and stressful.

Panic isn’t helpful but accurate information and action are empowering.

Taking calm, informed steps, such as staying up to date with reliable guidance, fact-checking and knowing your rights, can make it easier to navigate and respond effectively.

Further Reading: