Legal intervention

We use legal intervention to help improve a child’s school attendance when other support has not worked. This applies to children of compulsory school age and is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Types of legal intervention

We may use the following actions to address poor attendance:

  • attendance contracts
  • prosecution for non-attendance
  • education supervision orders
  • parenting orders
  • penalty notices

We expect parents and schools to work together to improve attendance. We use legal action when needed, for example:

  • when parents are not engaging with support
  • when there are requests for leave during term time

Notice to improve

We may send you a 'notice to improve' letter before taking legal action. This letter explains what needs to change and that attendance must improve immediately.

Further information

You can read more about how we manage school attendance:

If you need advice, email attendance@swindon.gov.uk.

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