What is a School Attendance Order?
A School Attendance Order (SAO) is a legal mechanism available to a local authority when it appears that a compulsory school age child is not receiving a suitable education and the parent has not satisfied the local authority that suitable education is being provided.
Where the local authority considers that a child should attend school, it must issue a School Attendance Order under Section 437 of the Education Act 1996.
An SAO names a school that the child must attend and requires the parent to register the child at that school within a specified timescale. Failure to comply with a School Attendance Order is a criminal offence.
The School’s Role
Schools play an important role in helping local authorities identify and support children who may be missing education.
Schools may be asked to:
- Provide information relating to a child’s previous enrolment and attendance.
- Confirm whether a place is available.
- Support the admission process where a child is named in a School Attendance Order.
- Work with the local authority to facilitate a smooth transition into school.
Admission of a Child Named in a School Attendance Order
Where a school is named in a School Attendance Order:
- The school must admit the child.
- The child becomes registered at the school in accordance with the Order.
- The school should work with the local authority, the family and any relevant services to support a successful transition into education.
If Your School Is Named in a School Attendance Order
If your school is named in a School Attendance Order, you should:
- Notify Cognus promptly if contacted by the parent regarding admission.
- Work with Cognus to arrange the child’s admission.
- Share any relevant safeguarding, attendance or SEND information that may assist with planning and support.
- Refer parents to Cognus for advice regarding the School Attendance Order process.
- Notify Cognus if the child does not start as expected.
- Notify Cognus of any information that may affect the child’s admission or educational provision.
Further Information
If you require advice regarding School Attendance Orders or have been named in an Order, please contact the Cognus Attendance Support Team:
📞 020 8323 0461
✉️ attendance@cognus.org.uk