my step daughter is frequently being kept off school by her mother for no apparent reason. she missed 17 weeks of school last year and so far this year hasn't put in a full week. I am concerned for her as she will not benefit as other children her age do from a good education. she is 14 and the next 2 years in school are her exam years.
2006-06-22 00:18:32 · 16 answers · asked by STEPHEN J 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Primary & Secondary Education
In English law, the parents of a child have a legal responsibility to provide an education for the child, which usually means sending them to school. From what I can make out, this child's parents are breaking the law and can be fined or, in extreme cases, imprisoned.
The law is usually enforced by someone called an Educational Welfare Officer (EWO) who will be working with the child's Head of Year to get the child into school. Your first point of contact should be your step-daughter's Head of Year. I would be surprised if they haven't already expressed concern. Your wife may already have been contacted by an EWO.
Nevertheless, as this child is your step-daughter, your powers are limited. It is your wife who is responsible for sending the child to school. If your wife doesn't want to force her to go to school, there is very little that you can or should do.
In practice, as your child is moving into Year 10, the school is going to be less and less interested in forcing the child into school. If the child's absences are always authorised by the mother and if the attendance is erratic rather than there being one prolonged period of absence, intervening is very difficult.
At the end of the day, why *should* the state force a parent to send a child to school when a parent is not interested in taking advantage of the education opportunities that are provided for free? Many people make great sacrifices to provide an education for their children whereas others won't even take advantage of opportunities that are freely available. Why should schools be expected to teach children who don't want to be there, especially when they know that they will get no support whatsoever from the parents? Here we see one of the fundamental problems of the British education system.
2006-06-24 07:33:30 · answer #1 · answered by thepawnbrokerroared 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You could go to social services or the school itself.
Social services you can contact anonymously so you would not need to get involved.
The school itself may tell the childs mother the subject was raised by you but they can also give info on how to handle this and what the reasons were for her having the time off.
You need to talk it through with the both of them to find out why this is happening then try to solve the problem.
I'm surprised the school hasn't already looked into this specially with parents being sued for taking their kids on holiday during term time, you're in an awful position and no matter which way you deal with this you're going to be the bad guy in this, it doesn't matter that your reasons are good and right I hope you are prepared for the backlash
2006-06-22 00:26:15 · answer #2 · answered by madamspud169 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has the school been contacted? If not, do get in contact then at least they'll be aware that you know. This way you can think of ways to combat this together. Also, there's last chance of immediate legal action, if you're putting in a Conservative effort.
Go to the Social Services, who can put you in touch with Education Welfare. Also, go to the Citizen Advice Bureau and they'll perhaps point you in the right direction to.
Other than that, have you tried taking her to the door? That will embarrass her and will perhaps make her want to go on her own, rather than with you. Works for some children, however doesn't with others.
2006-06-22 00:31:04 · answer #3 · answered by Crystal 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Does her mother realise that SHE can be prosecuted, given fines and even serve a 'stretch' if she is deliberately keeping her child off school or not actively ensuring her child attends school?
to someonecanbme....
I believe there are about 14-16 weeks school holidays in the year leaving about 36-38 weeks, so wonder how you come to the conclusion it would be impossible to miss 17?
2006-06-22 00:24:16 · answer #4 · answered by scatz 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
is it cuz your daughter doesnt want to go to school? Explain to her the many benefits she can only have in school. If you dont know them they are: the ability to join clubs at shcool and have more chances of being in the year book. Hanging at lunch with her friends. Seeing all the happy people. Seeing everyone walk around since they all get out at the exact same time after hearing the sweet sound of the bell.
2006-06-22 12:44:59 · answer #5 · answered by Slifer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If her mother is aware of the fact that the girl is not going to school, we can not speak of truant. However, you should contact the school master and ask him/her to keep you posted of all absences.
2006-06-22 00:22:39 · answer #6 · answered by ngiapapa 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
country/state? 17 weeks out of a school year is impossible and illegal. Do you know how many weeks are in a typical school year? you are exaggerating. and under 16-there are laws about school attendance.
2006-06-22 00:22:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
the schools head teacher or social services as shes under 16
2006-06-22 00:22:08 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The father would have to call the schools office and leave his phone number and ask them to call when she misses class.
2006-06-22 00:21:19 · answer #9 · answered by Stacy R 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to the welfare office and child servises in your area or ask a counselor at a near by school. do it quickly before something happens
2016-03-27 00:48:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋