School Attendance Orders

If your child is of statutory school age and has not attended school regularly then you may be initially approached by the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) from the Local Education Authority.  If you are providing your child with a suitable education at home via Elective Home Education, then it is advisable to share information with the Local Authority to prove that your child is indeed in receipt of a suitable education.  If the Local Authority agrees that the provision you are providing is suitable, then no further action will be taken.

Government Guidelines on Home Education state: ‘A school attendance order should be served after all reasonable steps have been taken to try to resolve the situation.’ It is quite rare for a Local Authority to issue a School Attendance Order.

There are several stages in the process, and I therefore advise that you contact me immediately if you are approached by the Local Authority about your child's non-attendance at school, or them being frequently arriving late at school.

Failure to take early action could result in you having to attend a court hearing and being subject to a fine if you lose your case.  It is far better to seek advice early as often, once provided with suitable additional information, the Local Authority will decide not to pursue a School Attendance Order in the Courts.