The School Attendance & Education Support Service (SA&ESS) undertakes investigations into complaints raised by schools when a child exhibits unauthorised absence and all attempts to engage parents have failed.
These statutory services are free at the point of referral to all education providers, whether they are a maintained, an academy, a free or independent school or any provider to education of children of compulsory school age, unless educated otherwise than at school.
The service undertakes investigations independently of the school to ensure that the rights of the citizen, when an allegation of a criminal offence is made, are protected.
As part of the investigation we will follow all lines of enquiry and interview witnesses to ensure that we get a full explanation of the facts where the evidence can be presented in a way that is not hearsay, but reliable and admissible in evidence.
We administer the Penalty Notice Scheme (attendance and exclusions) on behalf of the Dudley Council and schools. The system has been operating since 2006 and is proven to remove burdens on schools, such as appearing in court for none payment of fines.
Where parents are being investigated for an aggravated offence where they may receive a term of custody, investigating officers interview parents under caution before initiating proceedings. In these circumstances when a parent is prosecuted and does not attend court we do apply for an arrest warrant to secure their attendance.
Requesting or sharing information
If you are a professional from a school, local authority (including Dudley) or other service/agency, please email ess.cs@dudley.gov.uk with your enquiry or information and contact details. (This email address is for schools/professionals only; Dudley residents/parents must use the MyDudley portal to contact ESS).
