Petition
Scrap undemocratic Clause 24 of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools (CWS) Bill
Rejected
9 signatures
What the petition asks
The CWS Bill is being rushed through Parliament with little time for scrutiny. Clause 24 introduces unjustified state interference in parental duties, which threatens freedom and democracy in England. It is discriminatory, and expands state control over children’s education in an unprecedented way.
The CNIS provisions in the bill undermine s.7 of Education Act 1996 whereby the duty for education lies with the parent. Clause 24 introduces excessive measures on parents who educate their children outside of school as well as those they contract with, undermining fundamental rights and freedoms. We urge an immediate review to withdraw the “children not in school” clauses which will not achieve the stated aim of locating children “missing education” but will breach privacy and parental rights.
Why it was rejected
There was already a petition about this issue. Duplicates are rejected so signatures collect in one place.
You may wish to sign this petition which calls for the a similar action: Remove CWS Bill clauses and provide tangible support to home educating parents
Timeline
| 4 Feb 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 1 Apr 2025 | Rejected by the Petitions Committee |
Key facts
Signatures
9
Status
Rejected
Rejected
1 Apr 2025
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 1 Sep 2026.