Responding after the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill received royal assent, becoming law, Paul Whiteman, general secretary at school leaders’ union NAHT, said:

“There is much to welcome in this legislation, from action to help families with the cost of living, to clarity on mobile phone bans and the focus on strengthening safeguarding arrangements for children and young people.

“Access to a proper breakfast and healthy school lunch is crucial in helping ensure pupils can concentrate in the classroom, although school leaders do remain concerned about the expectations and funding levels for breakfast clubs. It is important the requirements around these clubs do not disrupt existing provision when it is working

“NAHT has long called for a register of pupils who are not in school and it is very positive to see that this important safeguarding measure is finally being taken after years of delay.”