There are concerns that the proposed Schools Bill could have far-reaching implications for Christian education in England and Wales.
Critics have described the Bill, launched by Nadhim Zawahi MP, as ‘totalitarian’ – but some of the controversial clauses have just been withdraw in the current form, for now. If the proposals were to become law, the Department for Education (DfE) would have powers that include setting curriculums; removing and appointing school governors; changing or removing worship arrangements and religious education; controlling admission policies; and closing down independent schools.
There would also be a new register of children not in school; and registration requirements placed on some family educators and external tutors used, and any settings providing education to at least five children. Under the proposals, if a parent fails to supply information to the local authority on request, they risk fines and imprisonment.
However, in a significant development following substantial criticism from peers, clauses 1 to 18 of the Bill have been withdrawn. If enacted, those provisions would give unprecedented powers to the DfE, but there are still plans to bring revised clauses back for consideration. Lord Baker, former Tory Education Secretary, said the Bill ‘increases the powers of the Secretary of State and the DfE in a way unprecedented since 1870’.
Steve Beegoo, Christian Concern’s head of education, commented: ‘The freedom for teachers and school leaders to keep Jesus Christ in their schools is under threat.’
Meanwhile, the Welsh Government has been urged to delay its planned introduction of Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) until the conclusion of a judicial review.
In May, a High Court judge said the plans involve ‘the consideration of complex constitutional matters with potentially very significant consequences for both parents and children’; however the case has been delayed because the government’s QC is not, apparently, available until November.
