Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Cameron Thomas (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 25 March 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 13 April 2026. It was answered by Josh MacAlister (Labour) on Monday, 13 April 2026 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Children: Protection

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to streamline the process of safeguarding referrals from schools to local authorities.

Answer

Through the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, we are strengthening the role of education and childcare in multi-agency safeguarding arrangements to better protect children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

All schools must also have regard to the ‘Keeping children safe in education’ statutory guidance when carrying out their duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. Part one of this guidance sets out what all staff need to know and do if they have any concerns about a child, including the process for making referrals to local authority children’s social care and for statutory assessments.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
124003
Session
2024-26
Subjects
Children Protection
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk