An Education Supervision Order (ESO) is a legal intervention available under the Children Act 1989. It places a child under the supervision of the Local Authority where the court determines that an order is needed to help secure the child’s education.
ESOs form part of Sutton’s Attendance Graduated Response and are intended to provide a supportive and structured approach to improving school attendance. They are typically considered where attendance concerns persist despite support and intervention, and where a supervisory approach may be more effective than other legal measures.
An ESO enables the Local Authority, schools, parents and other professionals to work together to address barriers to attendance and support improved educational outcomes.
Further Guidance
For Schools
Information for schools on when an ESO may be appropriate, the evidence required, the school’s role in the process and how ESOs fit within the Attendance Graduated Response.
→ Education Supervision Orders: Guidance for Schools
For Parents
Information for parents about what an ESO is, how the process works, what support is available and what to expect if an ESO is being considered or has been granted.
→ Education Supervision Orders: Information for Parents