Legislation and Guidance

Attendance and Children Missing School

Waltham Forest's attendance processes are implemented in accordance with the following legislation and statutory guidance. 

Primary Legislation 

Education Act 1996 

The Education Act 1996 sets out the legal responsibilities of parents and local authorities in relation to education and school attendance, including: 

  • Section 7 – Parents' duty to ensure their child receives a suitable full-time education.
  • Section 444 – Offences relating to failure to secure regular school attendance.
  • Sections 437–443 – School Attendance Orders.  

Children Act 1989 

The Children Act 1989 includes provisions relating to Education Supervision Orders (ESOs), which may be used to support children whose attendance at school remains a concern.  

Regulations 

School Attendance (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2024 

These regulations came into force on 19 August 2024 and set out the requirements relating to: 

  • School admission registers.
  • Attendance registers.
  • Leave of absence.
  • Attendance recording.
  • Deletion from the school roll.  

Education (Penalty Notices) (England) Regulations 2007 (as amended) 

These regulations provide the legal framework for Fixed Penalty Notices issued in relation to school attendance offences and underpin the National Framework for Penalty Notices introduced from 19 August 2024.  

Statutory Guidance 

Working Together to Improve School Attendance (2024) 

This Department for Education statutory guidance sets out: 

  • The responsibilities of schools, local authorities and parents.
  • The Support First approach.
  • Attendance support and intervention strategies.
  • Legal interventions available to schools and local authorities.
  • The National Framework for Penalty Notices.  

Resources 

Last update: Wednesday 22nd of July 2026 01:47:56 PM