CYP Now - Every child matters: Concerns mount over academies' ability to optout of the agenda

There is mounting concern that academy schools are being given carte blanche to opt out of the Every Child Matters agenda, after it emerged that they will not have to promote children's wellbeing in the same way as other schools.

Senior figures in the children's sector last week strongly welcomed asurprise amendment to the Education and Inspections Bill that willrequire schools to promote the "wellbeing of pupils" as well as theiracademic achievement (Children Now, 1-7 November). But it has sinceemerged that the amendment will not apply to all schools.

The development comes two weeks after senior officials confirmed thatchildren's services directors will not be able to order academy schoolsto accept children in care (Children Now, 25-31 October).

Les Lawrence, chair of the Local Government Association's children andyoung people board, said: "It is disappointing that the Government'samendment does not appear to cover academies and city technologycolleges."

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