The report calls for a minimum income, entitlement to food benefits during the summer holidays for families on income support, and a duty on education authorities to ensure families get school uniform grants.

BBC: Poor parents' holiday 'distress'

In the 18th century Mary Wollstonecraft insisted that women needed an education in order to fulfill their national duty: educating their sons.

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And one home educator who contacted the BBC News website said she would not be prepared to allow monitoring visits from the local authority because she considered it had failed in its duty to provide a suitable education for her son.

BBC: Home educators made to register

Plaid Cymru Education Spokesperson Simon Thomas said that it was their duty to hold the minister to account on his promises.

BBC: Plaid Cymru debate on education

It warned, depending on what inspectors found, the local authority could be investigated over its statutory duty to provide fair access to good quality education, under new rules due to come into force in May.

BBC: Coventry primary schools face inspections

Constitutions written in the 20th century, however for instance, the one written by Americans for Japan after the second world war show that it is now taken for granted that the state has a duty to ensure that all its children receive an education.

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With the availability of military training, courses, and online certificate and degree opportunities, Service members will design an individual education and career plan to guide their future, both during and after their term of duty.

WHITEHOUSE: Coming Home: Pathways to Success for Service Members and Veterans | The White House

For example, although the Bill does not include academies in the several new requirements being imposed on other schools (such as the duty to take part in international surveys of pupil achievement or to provide careers education) it is inconceivable that academies will be exempt.

BBC: Schools Bill: Who's taking charge?