Freedom of Information Act Request
Reference: ECC19866718 02 26
Response: 21 April 2026
I can confirm that Essex County Council does hold this information, and where we are able to release this, our response is listed below.
Please provide for the year 2025.
Question 1 - The total number of prosecutions initiated by the local authority against parents under Section 444 of The Education Act 1996 for their child's non-attendance at school.
Between 1st January 2025 and 31st December 2025, the total number of prosecutions initiated against individual parents by Essex County Council under section 444 Education Act 1996 was 1053.
Question 2 - the total number of prosecutions initiated by the local authority against parents, whose children are on the SEND register, under Section 444 of The Education Act 1996 for their child's non-attendance at school.
Of the 1053 prosecutions mentioned in the response to question 1 above, 45 were instigated against parents whose children are on the SEND register, where their child is recorded as having an Education, Health and Care Plan. A further 205 prosecutions were instigated against individual parents of children listed by their school as being eligible for SEN Support.
Question 3 - The total number of prosecutions initiated by the local authority against parents, whose children were in receipt of an alternative provision offer, under Section 444 of The Education Act 1996 for their child's non-attendance at school.
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Your Right to Know
Democracy and Transparency
Essex County Council
Telephone: 033301 38989
Email: YourRight.ToKnow@essex.gov.uk | www.essex.gov.uk
