Education Supervision Orders

1. The aim of the Education Supervision Order is to ensure that the child receives efficient full time education which is suitable to his or her age, ability and aptitude including any Special Educational Needs and that the child benefits fully from the education received. The Supervision is usually carried out by the Education Welfare Service, but can be by any employee of the Local Authority.

Application of an Education Supervision Order

1. The Order applies to both parents and the child.
2. When an Education Supervision Order is being considered, it is a duty upon the Education Welfare Service to consult with Children’s Social Care Services.
3. If the parents fail to comply with reasonable directions from the Supervising Officer, they will be informed in writing that they may be guilty of an offence if they persistently fail.
4. An Order lasts for up to one year. However, the Court may discharge an Order before that time on the application of the child, the parent or the Local Authority.
5. The Supervising Officer may seek the discharge because the objectives of the Order have been met before the completion of a full year.
6. An Education Supervision Order may be extended for up to three years if the Local Authority makes an application. Such an extension may be sought where the Supervising Officer feels it necessary to ensure the continuing progress of the child’s education.

1. The education welfare officer (EWO) will liaise with the relevant Safeguarding Team Manager or designated Social Worker and the Education and Children’s Social Care Consultation form will be completed.
2. The Safeguarding Team Manager will sign the last page of the form.
3. The Social Worker must ensure that a completed copy of both parts of the form remains on file.
4.  The consultation must include whether or not the child is known to Children’s Social Care. If the child is not known, consideration will need to be given as to whether a Child in Need assessment is required.
5. If the child is the subject of a Child Protection Plan, the Supervising Officer will consult with the Lead Social Worker for the child. Any plan will need to be considered alongside the Child Protection Plan for the Child.
6. The consultation should address whether there are known reasons why an Education Supervision Order would not be appropriate.
7. If an Education Supervision Order is made and a social worker is involved with the family close liaison is essential. A letter will be sent by the EWO to the relevant Safeguarding Team Manager to inform them that an order has been issued regardless of whether they are currently involved or not, so they are aware of outcome.
8. The Supervising Officer may make a referral if a breach becomes likely. The social worker must consider a ‘child in need assessment and/or a need to initiate a Section 47 enquiry.

Failure to comply/breach

1. The Supervising Officer will inform the Safeguarding Team Manager in writing of an intention to instigate breach proceedings. The Safeguarding Team Manager would then need to arrange for a s.47 Enquiry to be instigated.

2. The Safeguarding Team Manager will notify the Supervising Officer in writing of the recommendation and outcome of the Enquiry.

An extension of the Order

1. In an extension of the Order, the Court may direct Children’s Social Care Services to investigate.