Parenting orders are made by magistrates' following the conviction of parents or carers for failing to send their child to school regularly.
Parenting sessions may be offered to a local group of parents or carers, who are identified as having problems with their children's school
attendance.
Legal intervention
Prosecution
Prosecution against parents and carers can be brought in a magistrates court. This could result each parent or carer receiving a fine of up to £2500 and / or imprisonment for failing to ensure their child regularly attends school.
Education supervision orders (ESO)
The Local Authority (LA) may apply for an ESO instead of, or as well, prosecuting parents. This would be heard in the Family Proceedings Court. When an ESO is made the LA becomes responsible for advising, supporting and giving directions to a child and their parents to ensure regular school attendance. There are sanctions against parents who fail to co-operate.
Parenting orders
Parenting orders are made up of two components:
- A control element that may require you to fulfil certain tasks, such as taking your child to school each day
- A core element which would require you to attend parenting classes
The Legal Intervention Officer within the Education Welfare Service is responsible for ensuring that these courses are made available to parents and carers. If you do not attend the guidance sessions or ensure regular attendance at school, you will be in breach of a court order. This leads to the matter returning to the magistrate’s court and further fines could be imposed.
Parenting sessions
Parenting groups are available in most localities for parents that experience problems with their children attending school. Parenting sessions can be accessed locally in order to assist you with advice and guidance on how to deal with difficulties connected with school attendance.