Currently councils can apply through the courts for a school attendance order (SAO) for the child to return to school if they believe the education on offer at home is unsuitable, in terms of educational progress, attainment, health, safety and welfare.
But the Association of Directors of Children's Services (ADCS) says the process of securing a SAO through the courts is too lengthy and leaves children potentially without education for months.
The current SAO is also too weak to ensure families involved will comply, says the ADCS, with parents fined up to £1,000 and given a conditional discharge, even if they repeatedly fail to adhere to an order.
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