Teachernet, Parenting contracts

What is a parenting contract?

A two-sided formal agreement between a parent and either the LA or the governing body of a school.
The parent agrees to comply with specified requirements (tailored to their situation) and the LA or governing body agrees to provide specified support (tailored to parents' needs) to enable the parent to comply.
Contracts are voluntary arrangements and parents cannot be compelled to enter into one. There is no sanction for refusal to enter into a contract or breach of the contract's requirements, but if the LA subsequently applies for a parenting order, refusal or breaches must be taken into account by the court.

When is it appropriate?
It can be appropriate:

in cases of irregular school attendance
where a pupil has consistently misbehaved
where a pupil is excluded from school (whether for a fixed period or permanently) — in cases of exclusion, the appeals process must be completed before entering into a parenting contract
where the LA or governing body considers that parenting is a factor in the child's non-attendance or behaviour and where the parent is willing to accept support
used by a youth offending team (YOT) where a child is involved in criminal conduct and anti-social behaviour which allows a multi-agency approach with school, LA and YOTs: guidance on this is provided by the Ministry of Justice.

Why was it introduced?

What are the advantages?
A parenting contract:

enables schools and LAs to address behaviour and non-attendance problems at an early stage, and offer support to the parent while doing so
engenders productive relationships with parents and provides individual support
may help to prevent truancy and reduce the need for exclusions.

Guidance