Overview

This bill amends the Children and Families Bill, primarily focusing on improving support for children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), young carers, and parent carers. It also introduces provisions relating to adoption contact, the regulation of nicotine products, and the licensing of child performances.

Description

The amendments introduce several key changes:

Adoption

New regulations will facilitate contact between adopted individuals and their relatives.

Children with SEND

Significant amendments enhance the assessment and provision of education, health, and social care for children with SEND, particularly those in detention. This includes provisions for mediation in disagreements between parents/young people and local authorities/commissioning bodies. The definition of SEND is expanded to specifically include disability.

Young Carers and Parent Carers

New sections mandate needs assessments for young carers (under 18) and parent carers (over 18) in England, ensuring appropriate support is provided. The definition of "providing care" is expanded to include practical or emotional support.

Nicotine Products

The bill proposes regulations to prohibit the sale of nicotine products to individuals under 18, with exceptions for those employed in the industry for business purposes. Amendments to existing legislation regarding tobacco sales are included to reflect this.

Child Performances

The bill repeals a section of the Children and Young Persons Act 1963 that restricts licensing for child performances under 14, allowing for broader licensing.

Other Provisions

Amendments are made concerning various aspects of government and local authority functions relating to children, including interventions, suspension powers and the provision of free school lunches.

Government Spending

The bill's impact on government spending is not explicitly stated in the provided text. However, the increased support for children with SEND, young carers, and parent carers, along with the additional responsibilities placed on local authorities, could lead to increased expenditure. Conversely, potential savings may be achieved through efficiencies and preventative measures.

Groups Affected

• Adopted children and their relatives: Increased opportunities for contact.
• Children with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND): Enhanced support through needs assessments and improved service provision.
• Children in detention: Improved assessment and provision of education, health, and social care needs upon release.
• Young carers (under 18): Mandated needs assessments and support services.
• Parent carers (over 18): Mandated needs assessments and support services.
• Retailers: New restrictions and potential penalties for selling nicotine products to minors.
• Local authorities: Increased responsibilities for assessing and providing services for children and families.
• Schools: New duties to support pupils with medical conditions.

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