Education Supervision Order information for parents

An Education Supervision Order (ESO) is issued when a local authority believes a child’s education is not being properly supported, and that a court order is needed to ensure compliance.

ESOs are designed to provide a more formal and supported approach to addressing educational issues than simply issuing fines or warnings. They aim to find a solution that supports the child’s education and helps the family comply with attendance requirements. 

Who is involved:

An ESO involves the local authority (who will apply for the order), the court, the child’s parent(s), the child, and a supervising officer. 

When it’s issued:

The local authority may consider issuing an ESO if they believe a child’s educational needs are not being met and if they are not cooperating with the school and the local authority’s efforts to improve the situation. 

What it entails:

The ESO sets out a plan for the child and parent(s) to follow. This plan may include:

  • Regular meetings with the supervising officer. 
  • Support for the child to attend school regularly. 
  • Guidance and support for parents to understand and address the issues contributing to the child’s educational challenges. 

Legal consequences:

If parents do not comply with the directions in the ESO, it can be considered a breach of a court order, which could lead to further legal action