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.
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