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Children, Schools and Families Bill

Will my noble friend give way? I am listening very carefully to what she says but does she not accept that in the real situation many of those who may be caring for children on behalf of parents have not had the benefit of a great liberal education that most of us in this House have been able to take for granted? They operate very often on a high level of emotional reaction to situations. In that context, the law as it stands sends a divided message. On the one hand, it says that we do not believe in this punishment—indeed, my noble friend is saying that parents should tell people who take care of their children if they do not approve of it—but, on the other hand, the law says that it is possible.