Event

What does the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act mean for children’s social care?

12 May 2026, 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Location: Online / Institute for Government, 2 Carlton Gardens, London SW1Y 5AA

Think tank: Institute for Government

This event hosted by UK think tank the Institute for Government explores their new analysis and the next steps for children’s social care reform.

The children’s social care market is often described as “broken” – including by the government itself. Too many children end up in unsuitable settings, the quality of care varies sharply across the country, and costs have risen to levels that put severe pressure on local authority budgets.

So, what does the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Act, which has recently received Royal Assent, mean for the government’s programme to reform children’s social care?  

After a short presentation on new analysis from the Institute for Government, this event – featuring the Minister for Children and Families – will examine how government can ensure its reforms are implemented effectively and deliver lasting improvements in children’s social care.

To discuss all this and more, the IfG is bringing together an expert panel.

Speakers

Amber Dellar – Researcher at the Institute for Government

Josh MacAlister OBE MP – Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Children and Families) at the Department for Education

Rachael Wardell OBE – Immediate Past President of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services

This event will be chaired by Stuart Hoddinott – Associate Director at the Institute for Government.