Intrusive and administratively burdensome measures under Government plans for a register of children not in school have been significantly cut back. But in a House of Lords Report Stage debate this week, Peers backed Government amendments to the Bill removing the requirements to record such details. Despite these concessions, the Government suffered a significant defeat over the rules governing when parents must seek state permission to withdraw their children from school. The Government Minister noted that many children with disabilities are classified as “in need” simply to access support services. “The law must respect the principle that ordinarily, it is for parents to make decisions about children.