Written question asked by Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 5 August 2025. It was answered by Lord Coaker (Labour) on Thursday, 31 July 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence: Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether any provisions of the Children’s Wellbeing Bill and Schools Bill will apply to the Ministry of Defence as an employer and educator.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports this Bill as we are aware of the unique challenges our personnel and their families face. While much of this Bill will not apply to schools overseas run by the MOD, we will support aspects that impact our work, primarily around safeguarding. As part of our commitment to our Service families we take the safeguarding of children particularly seriously, and we have a strong social-work service and well-trained teams supporting each branch of the military wherever they are posted, including overseas. Our teams also work very closely with the Department for Education and Devolved Administrations to ensure Service children’s wellbeing and education is supported.

Secondary information