School Attendance Problems

Abstract

The problem of non-attendance at school has existed for as– long as schooling. The introduction of the Elementary– Education Acts of 1870 and 1876, which made school free and– compulsory, added a legal dimension to what was already– regarded as an educational and social problem. Under the– 1944 Education Act parents are required by Section 36 to– ensure that their children receive education ‘suitable to their– age, ability and aptitude’. Moreover, under Section 39 they– also have to ensure regular attendance. The local authority– education department is empowered under Section 40 to– prosecute parents if they fail in this duty. The child concerned– may also be brought before the magistrates in the Juvenile– Court under Section 1 of the 1969 Children and Young– Persons Act for the consideration of ‘care proceedings’ if in– the view of the bench the child is in need of ‘care and control’.