Councils fail to use truancy orders

By Lauren Higgs Wednesday, 10 September 2008

A lack of knowledge is causing local authorities to use draconian methods to prevent truancy, instead of support-based education supervision orders (ESOs), a report by the National Children's Bureau (NCB) has revealed.

Councils not using truancy orders

NCB found only half of councils have a written policy on using ESOs, which were created by the 1989 Children Act, and less than half of education practitioners in local auth-orities have been trained on how to use them.

The law requires councils to consider using an ESO when they prosecute a parent for their child's poor school attendance. But the report, seen exclusively by CYP Now, said many councils only "pay lip service" to this duty.

Unlike parenting orders, ESOs emphasise the child's role in improving their attendance. When an ESO is made, the court appoints a supervisor to work with the family and bring in agencies to help the family access additional services.

Jacqui Newvell, the report's author, said: "The provision of ESOs isn't new. What's concerning is that many local authorities are ignoring it and a lot of practitioners don't have the skills to use an ESO. It may not be a solution to everything but it can be a useful intervention."

The report said councils should review their ESO policies and training. It also called on the government, which doesn't collect ESO usage figures, to promote the measure to councils.

But a Local Government Association spokeswoman said ESOs are just one approach to dealing with truancy and rely on co-operation from the young person and their family. She also said NCB's report failed to show that low ESO usage damaged pupils.

- www.cypnow.co.uk/doc.