Can they put my child on the at risk register, for not attending school regular?
They can because it is considered to be neglect, which is one of the categories children can be placed on the register under. The assumption is that if they are “neglected” in one area, they may be in others too, so the children may be placed on the register so that social services are able to keep a closer eye on the home situation etc.
Yes, “they” can because failing to send a child to school is against the law and can be construed as an act of neglect. In an extreme case your child could be put into the care of the local authority if s/he is considered to be out of your control. However, many stages have to be gone through first. You will be invited to attend an interview at the school, along with your child (if s/he will go) to explain your failures to get him/her to attend. You may be required to sign a parent/school contract in which you will make certain promises and so will the school. Your child may be asked to do the same. But really, we need to know (as does the school) why your child refuses to attend school. Is s/he being bullied? Is s/he so far behind with her/his work that s/he is afraid to go? Does s/he suffer from school phobia? Would a change of school be a possible solution? Is s/he afraid of one or more of the teachers? Or is s/he just bone idle and can’t see the point in bothering as s/he knows tha
It really depends on circumstances, if it’s your child refusing to go to school then you really don’t have a choice and that shouldn’t make you liable to be put on the at risk register. Same goes for the £50 fine school’s threaten parents with, if you can prove you ARE trying to get your child in to school (phone calls, meetings with the school, counselors) you won’t be fined. Just thought I’d add the fine bit..
