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Need-to-know: Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 becomes law

New legislation has passed that aims to better protect children and raise standards in education. Get to grips with some of the new expectations coming up for schools.

Last reviewed on 30 April 2026
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The Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026 is now law. It gives the government the power to introduce new requirements.

Your school doesn’t need to make any changes today – some of the guidance is still being consulted on or finalised, and we’re awaiting secondary legislation.

Some of the key changes to come include:

Allergy safety

Your school will be required to comply with Benedict’s Law from September 2026 and forthcoming DfE statutory guidance (to be finalised once the current consultation closes). When published, the guidance will set out requirements around how to manage allergies in school.

You can still have your say on the details of the proposed draft guidance – the consultation closes on 15 May 2026.

Ban on smartphones in schools

Under the statutory guidance, the government will expect schools to have a policy that prohibits the use and possession of smartphones by pupils

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