Legal Interventions

Education supervision orders (ESO): Section 447, Education Act 1996 (opens new window)

Education Supervision Orders (ESO) were introduced in the Children Act 1989 (section 36) and, as with other Children Act Orders, are made following application to the Family Proceedings Court. An Education Supervision Order can only apply when a child is of statutory school age and will put a child under the supervision of the LA, with a similar meaning and status to other Supervision Orders within the Act.

The intention is to ensure that a child who is subject to an ESO receives "efficient full-time education suited to his or her age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs and that sufficient support, advice and guidance are provided to the parents and the child." An ESO gives the LA the right to advise, assist, befriend and give directions to the child and his parents.

In all cases before instituting legal proceedings under section 443/444, the LA must consider whether an ESO is appropriate. This will occur in all cases even where the parent's record of co-operation is poor.