What is a Parenting Order?
A Parenting Order is a court order that may be made under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 following attendance-related legal proceedings.
Parenting Orders are intended to support parents in addressing the factors contributing to poor school attendance and to help secure regular attendance. The order places specific requirements on parents and may include attending parenting programmes, counselling or guidance sessions, and complying with other directions specified by the court.
Parenting Orders are designed to encourage positive engagement and provide structured support to improve attendance outcomes.
When Might a Parenting Order Be Considered?
A Parenting Order may be considered where:
- A child has a persistent pattern of poor attendance.
- Appropriate support and intervention have been offered but attendance has not improved sufficiently.
- Legal proceedings have been initiated in relation to school attendance.
- The court considers that additional support and direction for the parent may help secure regular attendance.
The decision to impose a Parenting Order rests with the court and will be based on the individual circumstances of the case.
The School’s Role
Schools play an important role in identifying attendance concerns and supporting families before legal intervention becomes necessary.
Before legal action is considered, schools should ensure that:
- Attendance concerns have been identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
- Appropriate support and intervention have been offered in line with Sutton’s Attendance Graduated Response.
- Parents have been informed of concerns regarding their child’s attendance.
- Attendance meetings, action plans and interventions have been recorded and reviewed.
- Accurate attendance records are maintained.
Schools may be required to provide evidence to support legal proceedings where a Parenting Order is being considered.
Parenting Orders and Attendance Prosecution
Parenting Orders are generally considered as part of attendance-related legal proceedings and may be imposed by the court following a conviction for an attendance offence. They are intended to support parents in addressing barriers to regular school attendance and promoting positive engagement with education.
Evidence Required
Schools may be asked to provide:
- Attendance registers and attendance reports.
- Records of communication with parents and carers.
- Details of support and intervention offered.
- Notes and outcomes from attendance meetings.
- Copies of attendance plans, attendance contracts and other relevant documentation.
- Information demonstrating the impact of interventions and the child’s attendance history.
The Local Authority will review the available evidence when considering legal action and any application to the court.
Following a Parenting Order
Where a Parenting Order is made, parents may be required to:
- Attend parenting programmes or support sessions.
- Engage with services identified by the court.
- Comply with directions intended to improve their child’s school attendance.
Schools should continue to:
- Monitor attendance.
- Work collaboratively with the family and any professionals involved.
- Share relevant attendance information with the Local Authority where appropriate.
- Maintain support for the child throughout the duration of the order.
Failure to Comply
A Parenting Order is a court order. Failure to comply with its requirements may result in further action being considered by the court.
Schools should continue to record attendance and provide updates to the Local Authority where requested.
Further Information
Schools seeking advice regarding Parenting Orders should contact the Attendance Support Team to discuss whether legal intervention may be appropriate and to ensure that all relevant support and intervention has been considered.