On 14 January, the House of Lords began the Report Stage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. This is a crucial moment where members scrutinise the proposals in detail and table amendments before the bill progresses further.
As part of our ongoing advocacy, the Together Trust has:
- Amplified our Email Your MP action calling for an end to illegal homes for children in care
- Signed Barnardo’s briefing calling for a national care offer for care leavers
- Signed Terry Galloway’s briefing asking local authorities to recognise care experience as a protected characteristic and urging stronger corporate parenting duties
These actions reflect our commitment to ensuring the Bill leads to meaningful change for children and young people.
What was discussed
On 14 January, Peers focused their debate on several key areas, including:
- Family group decision‑making
- Kinship care
- Section 31 safeguards
- Support for children returning home
These discussions mark important steps in strengthening children’s social care and improving outcomes for families.
What was missing
Notably, unregistered children’s homes were not mentioned during this session, a significant concern for the Together Trust. These settings operate illegally, without proper oversight, accountability, or assurances of safety for children in care.
According to the Public Accounts Committee: ‘‘Such homes cannot be routinely inspected, leading PAC to raise serious concerns about children’s safety and the quality of care they receive’’.
Evidence shows that their use is increasing and, worryingly, becoming normalised rather than restricted to genuine emergencies. This trend poses serious risks and demands urgent attention.
Recent evidence shows:
- Around 669 children currently live in illegal children’s homes – 60% with complex needs or disabilities, and over one‑third receiving CAMHS support.
- Placement shortages and a dysfunctional market have led to the rise of high‑cost, low‑accountability placements.
- Profit margins among the largest providers remain high, while children are being placed in illegal, unsafe, and unsuitable settings, such as caravans, holiday parks, and Airbnbs.
What we want to see
At the Together Trust, we are calling for:
- The Department for Education, Ofsted, and the Ministry of Justice to work together to phase out the use of unregistered settings.
- A national sufficiency and workforce plan to ensure there are enough high‑quality, regulated, and therapeutic homes for children who need them.
- A guarantee that all children in care receive regulated care up to at least age 18, in line with the recommendations of the Independent Review of Children’s Social Care.
Without these safeguards, children will continue to be placed in unsafe environments, undermining the very purpose of the Bill.
How you can help
✅ Email your MP to raise concerns about unregistered children’s homes: https://secure.togethertrust.org.uk/end-illegal-homes-children-care
EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance)
EBSA received very little substantive attention during the debate on 14 January. The only relevant reference came from The Earl of Effingham (Con), who highlighted that:
- Early opportunities to identify SEND needs are being missed
- This can lead to schools failing to take flexible, reasonable approaches
- Providers, especially small schools and special schools, may struggle to implement proposed changes due to capacity challenges
This limited discussion underscores the need for EBSA to be taken more seriously within the Bill’s remit.
Through our ongoing project examining the prevalence and impact of EBSA across Greater Manchester, we’re hearing how widespread and difficult this issue is for children and families. Parent‑carers tell us EBSA puts huge strain on family life – many feel unheard, have to fight for support, and some are left with no option but to homeschool. With no dedicated attendance code for EBSA, accessing the right help is even harder.
Why this matters
The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes several significant changes, including a statutory register of children not in school, stronger children’s social care safeguards, free breakfast clubs, and limits on branded school uniforms. These reforms could have wide‑ranging implications for children’s wellbeing, attendance, and safety. However, without addressing EBSA, many vulnerable children remain at risk of falling through the gaps.
Next steps
Remaining Report Stage dates:
- 19 January
- 21 January
- 28 January
- 3 February
Closing thoughts
As the Bill moves through its Report Stage, it’s crucial that the experiences of children, young people, and families are not overlooked. We’ll keep following the next stages closely and advocating for a system that puts children’s safety, wellbeing, and rights first.
Get involved
- Sign up for our campaign updates
- Share your views / experience by emailing styliana.pasiardi@togethertrust.org.uk
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