ABSTRACT
The Children Act 1989, implemented in October 1991, represents a major restructuring of child care legislation in England and Wales, providing a comprehensive and integrated statutory framework to ensure the welfare of children. The general principle of the need to listen to children’s views in considering their future is, by contrast with the Children Act, not referred to in the Education Reform Act 1988 nor in the 1993 Education Bill. The underlying philosophy of the Act is that children are best looked after in their own families and where possible the integrity and independence of the family should be respected. Health and education, as other services such as housing and voluntary agencies, are expected to assist social services in their provision for children in need. The proprietor of any independent school providing accommodation has a duty to safeguard and promote the children’s welfare.
