Local MP votes for new “landmark law” to save parents £500 per year

Local Penistone and Stocksbridge MP, Marie Tidball, has voted for the Children and Wellbeing Bill to become law at the final stage, to save parents £500 per year per child during the cost of living crisis. The new law will establish free breakfast clubs, introduce a cap on the number of branded school uniform items allowed, and introduce more qualified teachers in classrooms to break down barriers to opportunities.  

The new law will drive high and rising school standards, whilst recognising the incredible work of our teachers, by standardising pay and conditions across maintained schools and academies, making it fairer and more competitive.  

The greatest child protection reforms in a generation are also made by the Children and Wellbeing Bill, by introducing a greater role for schools in identifying and supporting at-risk children to keep children safe. The Bill also takes steps to overhaul the children’s social care system, starting with giving the government the power to cap the profit private providers can make.  

Pupils and parents across Penistone and Stocksbridge will be among the first to benefit from the new policies, as High Green Primary School has been selected as one of the first schools across the country to pilot the free breakfast clubs from April this year.  

The final vote took place on Monday 17th March, meaning the new law will be fully in force by the end of 2025.  

Marie Tidball, Member of Parliament for Penistone and Stocksbridge said:  

“When knocking on doors across our communities, I’ve listened to parents tell me time and time again how the cost-of-living crisis is impacting their families, particularly with the growing list of expensive school uniform requirements.  

“As a mum, I know the difference free breakfast clubs will make to people, ensuring every child starts the day with a nutritious meal so they can focus and learn properly. Together with more qualified and expert teachers in classrooms, the reforms in this landmark law will drive higher standards in our local schools and protect our most vulnerable children from falling through the cracks.  

“I missed three years of school because of the surgeries I needed as a child, and it was my amazing teachers and local state education that allowed me to catch up and reach my potential. Where you grow up should never determine where you end up in life, and I will continue working hard so children from Penistone and Stocksbridge get the very best start they deserve.”