Liberal Reforms 1906-1918

3. Welfare reforms

Required Resources

• Slides 8-16

Delivery

• Display Slides 8-10 which contain information on the Boer War and the role which this played in encouraging welfare reforms.
• Explain that the reports and the Government Commission which followed the Boer war (outlined in Episode 2) led to the introduction of many welfare reforms by the Liberal Government.
• Use Slides 11-16 to introduce students to some of the welfare measures which the Liberal Government introduced following the Boer War. These reforms include the following acts:
  • The Schools Meal Act (1906)
  • Medical Inspections (1907)
  • Old Age Pensions Act (1908)
  • National Insurance Act part 1 (health insurance)
  • National Insurance Act part 2 (unemployment insurance).
• Explain a little about each Act. Explain that whilst all of the acts have been replaced or updated the general principles provide the key tenets of Britain's provision of social care.

Differentiation

Higher Ability:

Higher ability students might be asked to produce a more detailed report on The School Meals Act and consider whether it still applies to school today. Consideration can be given to its continued value in schools (is it divisive or supportive or both?).