Note: this article is about parenting contracts, which are not the same as parenting orders. A parenting order can only be imposed by the court and does not need parental agreement.
What is a parenting contract?
A parenting contract is a formal written, signed agreement between parents and either the local authority (LA) or the governing board of a school.
You can use one to address:
- Irregular attendance
- Disruptive behaviour
- Exclusions that are the result of serious misbehaviour
First, try a supportive approach to addressing irregular attendance
Use our articles about understanding a pupil's barriers to attendance and attendance reintegration plans to see how to support children to attend.
Only consider using a parenting contract if none of those strategies are appropriate or work for the pupil in question.
Parenting contracts are a form of