As the Lords committee stage is wrapped up for the Education Bill, report stage will be when we hear how much government has listened to concerns raised by the sector.
It will be interesting to see what responses are offered to challenges on the removal of schools' duty to co-operate with local partners, and the fairness of a new approach to exclusions, which puts more power in the hands of governors.
The Health and Social Care Bill will be starting its passage through the House of Lords in October. Children got their first significant mention just before recess. NCB and our partners will be looking to build on this, calling for children to be made a priority as the new system is established, for there to be a clear channel for children to have their voices heard, and for better integration within the NHS and across agencies locally.
We must also not forget the comprehensive shake-up of the welfare system that is afoot.
The Welfare Reform Bill will be considered at committee stage in the House of Lords this month. With the bill giving little indication of exactly how much (or little) money families will end up with, the sector has to be vociferous in its calls for assurances.
The Every Disabled Child Matters campaign has been on the case, looking at childcare, disability premiums and reform of Disability Living Allowance for disabled young people.
With all this action to come in the autumn, eyes will be back on parliament.
Keith Clements, policy officer, NCB
