Supporting School Attendance

Legal action

Local Authorities have a responsibility to ensure all statutory school age children, living in the area they cover, have education provision. Parents/carers are responsible in law for making sure their children are in school or receiving a suitable education. This section contains information on the processes the Local Authority will follow if legal action in relation to a child’s poor attendance needs to be taken. This may involve prosecuting parents/carers. There is also information for schools and parents/carers explaining Penalty Notices – a fine that can be imposed on parents/carers for their child’s absences from school.

Last updated: 23 February 2023