Parenting Contracts and Parenting Orders Consultation

Local Education Authorities and school governing bodies are required by the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003 to have regard to the guidance issued by DfES concerning parenting contracts and parenting orders for exclusion or truancy. We believe the measures available will make a positive contribution in developing good practice, working in partnership with schools and parents. Parenting contracts are voluntary agreements and Parenting Orders require applications to court.

The draft document Norfolk Children's Services Policy for Education Related Parenting Contracts and Parenting Orders' is the Authority's response to this guidance.

Authorities are required to have procedures for Parenting Contracts (for Behaviour/Exclusion and/or Attendance) and procedures for Parenting Orders in place by September 05. Therefore, although this policy is now out for consultation, schools are welcome to pilot the procedures immediately in consultation with School Support Team personnel and/or Education Social Workers Attendance Team). A final document will be published in October, once consultation responses have been considered.

The Attendance and Behaviour Strategy Group is planning to commission a database providing schools, governing bodies and all Children's Services with information about which organisations provide parenting classes for which age groups and who is the contact person.