Children and Families Bill 2012 2013

Children and Families Bill 2012 – 13

House of Commons Committee Stage Briefings

Briefing One – Special Educational Needs

Part 3 of the Children and Families Bill 2012-13 introduces provisions to:

  • reform the statutory framework for identifying children and young people with special educational needs, assessing their needs and making provision for them;
  • require local authorities to keep local provision under review, to co-operate with their partners to plan and commission provision and publish clear information on services available;
  • replace statements with new Education, Health and Care Plans;
  • set out in regulations the detailed requirements of particular provisions; and
  • develop a new statutory Code of Practice to provide guidance on the new framework for special educational needs, which requires the approval of Parliament.

Analysis:

In summary, the Commission's analysis is that the following aims of this bill are in accordance with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, the Human Rights Act 1998 and UNCRPD:

  • the overall aims of the Children and Families Bill to reform Special Educational Needs (SEN);
  • the intention to place children, young people and families at the centre of decision making, enable them to participate in a fully informed way, and with a focus on achieving the best possible outcomes; and
  • the improvement in provision from the draft clauses, in particular the development of a statutory Code of Practice to provide guidance on the new framework for special educational needs, for the approval of Parliament.

Download the briefing: Part 3 of the Children and Families Bill (Word)

Briefing Two - Parental leave

The Commission has examined the below parts of the Family and Children’s Bill in light of the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the Human Rights Act 1998.

Part 6: Statutory rights to leave and pay
Part 7: Time off work: ante-natal care etc
Part 8: Right to request flexible working

Analysis:

The Commission’ analysis concludes that the changes are in accordance with the above Acts but makes several recommendations to bring it further in line with the legislation.

For a more detailed analysis please see out full briefing.

Download Briefing 2 parental leave (Word)

Last Updated: 27 Aug 2014