Committee Report: Guidance and Procedure for Use of Education Related Parenting Contracts and Parenting Orders in Cases of Exclusion from School
Report to: |
Panel Cabinet |
|---|---|
Date: |
9th November 2006 16th November 2006 |
Subject: |
Guidance and Procedure for Use of Education Related Parenting Contracts and Parenting Orders in Cases of Exclusion from School |
Report of: |
Director of Children and Young People's Services |
Contact officer: |
Deborah Brownlee 01942 486003 E-mail: deborah.brownlee@wiganmbc.gov.uk |
Purpose / summary: |
The purpose of this report is to ask Cabinet to approve the attached guidance and procedure. |
Alternative options considered and reason for selecting the one recommended: |
Wigan Council is required to have guidance and procedure relating to the use of its powers in this context as detailed in Section 19 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act 2003. |
Recommendation / decision: |
To approve the attached guidance and procedure and request the Director of Children and Young People’s Services to consult schools and related partner agencies regarding its implementation. |
Key Decision: |
This report involves a key decision within ground(s) 1. The decision made as a result of this report will be published within 48 hours and cannot be actioned until five working days have elapsed after that (making a total of seven working days after the meeting) i.e. before 28th November 2006. This item is included in the Forward Plan. |
Implications: |
|
Financial: |
Activities resulting from this guidance will be resourced from within existing behaviour support budgets. |
Staffing: |
Activities relating to this guidance will be covered within existing staffing. |
Policy: |
LEA Behaviour Plan. |
Equal Opportunities - Has a Diversity Impact Assessment been conducted? |
Yes |
Wards affected: |
All |
Special Interest Members – Which have been consulted |
None |
Tracking/Process:
|
Consultation |
Ward Members |
Partners |
|---|---|---|---|
|
- |
- |
- |
Panel |
Overview & Scrutiny |
Cabinet |
Council |
9th November 2006 |
- |
16th November 2006 |
- |
List of Background Papers in accordance with Section 100D of the Local Government Act 1972:
Document |
Date |
File Reference |
Place of Inspection |
|---|---|---|---|
DfES Guidance on Education Related Parenting Contracts, Parenting Orders and Penalty Notices |
2004 |
|
|
Proper Officer |
G. Rowney |
|---|---|
Date |
17th October 2006 |
1.0 Background
1.1 Since 2004, Local Authorities and schools have had new powers to make formal agreements (Parenting Contracts) with parents to address their children’s behaviour at school (Section 19 of the Anti Social Behaviour Act). In addition, Local Authorities may also consider applying to the courts for a Parenting Order which compels parents who have been unwilling or unable to engage on a voluntary basis to address their child’s behaviour in school. The Parenting Order may require the parent to attend counselling or guidance sessions (e.g. parenting classes) or to comply with other such requirements as specified in the Order.
1.2 Wigan Children and Young People’s Services has a wide range of strategies and support mechanisms in place to help schools address the needs of pupils demonstrating challenging behaviour.
1.3 Parenting Contracts have been introduced in the context of tackling attendance issues and early indications are that they are a useful additional tool in supporting pupils and parents. This guidance now outlines arrangements for introducing Parenting Contracts as a tool for tackling behaviour issues that have resulted in school exclusions.
1.4 Parenting Orders may only be applied for by the Local Authority but schools do have the right to request that the Local Authority make such an application. Whilst no such requests have been received to date, the Local Authority is required to have guidance detailing how it will respond to such requests.
1.5 Following approval of the draft guidance and procedure it is proposed to consult headteachers and related partner agencies on the process for implementation of the guidance and procedure.
2.0 Recommendation
2.1 It is recommended that Cabinet approve the attached guidance and procedure relating to the Use of Education Related Parenting Contracts and Parenting Orders in Cases of Exclusion from School.
Appendices
- Draft - Wigan Children and Young People's Services - Guidance for Use of Education Related Parenting Contracts and Parenting Orders in Cases of Exclusion from School
- Parenting Orders in Cases of Exclusion from School Procedure (1)
(95kb) - Parenting Orders in Cases of Exclusion from School Procedure (2) (108kb)