Written question asked by Lord Watson of Invergowrie (Labour) on Thursday, 9 January 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 January 2025. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Thursday, 23 January 2025 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Children: Health

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether the proposed power in clause 43 (Academies: power to secure performance of proprietor’s duties etc) of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill includes the duty of proprietors of academies, under section 10(5) of the Children Act 2004, to co-operate with the local authority in making arrangements to improve the wellbeing of children.

Answer: Clause 43 of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes a power for my right hon. Friend, Secretary of State for Education to issue a direction to secure the proper performance of a relevant duty or power by the proprietor of an academy trust. A ‘relevant duty’ is defined as ‘any duty, whether or not imposed by or under enactment, to which the proprietor of an academy trust is subject’. This includes the duty, under Section 10(5) of the Children Act 2004, to co-operate with the local authority in making arrangements to promote co-operation with a view to improving the wellbeing of children.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL3959
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Children Cooperation Health Academies
Legislation: Children Act 2004; Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill 2024-26
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk