Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026
Local authorities are adapting to new duties under the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, particularly regarding family support and children not in school.
In November 2026, Islington reported a 10% rise in electively home-educated children, with parents citing school system failures. Redbridge Council, in September 2026, began piloting national reforms for children's social care, receiving £5 million in funding. Hackney Council decided in July 2026 to insource its Family Group Conferencing service from October 2026, to meet new requirements.
The Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026, which came into effect in September 2026, places statutory duties on local authorities. These include offering Family Group Decision-Making and independent advocacy support for parents of children at risk of entering care. The Act will also introduce a compulsory register for Children Not in School from 2027.
Key facts
- In November 2026, the number of children being electively home-educated in Islington rose by 10% in a year. Source
- In November 2026, 377 children were being electively home-educated in Islington. Source
- Redbridge Council received £5 million in funding to pilot national children's social care reforms. Source
- Hackney Council's Cabinet Procurement and Insourcing Committee agreed to insource the Family Group Conferencing service on 15 July 2026. Source
- The Family Group Conferencing service in Hackney will be insourced from 1 October 2026. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 9 November 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.