An attendance contract is a formal written agreement between a parent and school. An attendance contract is not a punitive tool and is not legally binding, it is intended to provide support and offer an alternative to prosecution. It is best practice to explore an Attendance contract before moving forward to an Education Supervision Order or Prosecution.

Where an Attendance contact is deemed appropriate, a school should arrange a meeting with the parents and child, if age appropriate, to understand concerns and barriers from all parties and produce an action plan.

Attendance Action Plan Template

As part of a traded offer, Suffolk County Council will chair and complete all paperwork in relation to these formal written contracts.

Where an Attendance contract is not successful a legally binding tool should be considered.