Kemi Badenoch Sounds Alarm Over Schools Bill: 'An Act of Vandalism' for Children

In a heated debate during Prime Minister’s Questions, Kemi Badenoch criticized the government’s Schools Bill, labeling it as detrimental to vulnerable children in England. She argued that the bill would unfairly impact teacher salaries at academies, limit avenues into teaching, and hinder struggling schools from becoming academies. Badenoch expressed concern that these changes disrupt a long-standing bipartisan agreement on educational standards. In contrast, Sir Keir Starmer defended the bill, emphasizing its provisions for children’s welfare, including the creation of breakfast clubs and measures to support children not in school.

The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill seeks to establish a registry for children outside of school and grant local authorities the power to intervene in unsuitable or unsafe home situations. However, the proposed changes regarding academies have sparked particular scrutiny. Badenoch highlighted that academies, established during the late 2000s, have generally improved educational outcomes, pointing out that low-income students in England outperform their counterparts in Wales.

A significant point of contention is the bill’s reduction of guarantees that failing schools would automatically transition into academies—a move Badenoch decried as a regression in educational quality and opportunity. Sir Keir countered by pointing out the bill’s benefits, including vital provisions to support low-income families and aid vulnerable children.

Although the government has made some amendments to assure pay levels for teachers, concerns remain regarding restrictions on hiring non-traditional educators, such as specialists without formal teaching qualifications. This has prompted further debate about the qualifications necessary for effective teaching. The bill, widely backed by Conservative politicians who view academies as a success story, is set to pass into law by spring, despite significant unease among some Labour members regarding its impact on the academy system.