Evaluation of Fast Track to Prosecution for school non-attendance

The purpose of the Fast Track system is to ensure that schools and LEAs act quickly in cases of unacceptable attendance levels from pupils. Parents of non-attending pupils are given a time frame within which to improve the situation. If the parent fails to address their responsibilities, prosecution is initiated.

The report looks at 12 LEAs, reaching conclusions about effective strategies, good practice and effectiveness. On an anecdotal level the Fast Track Scheme has increased awareness of responsibilities among parents and pupils. The report looks at evidence from interviews, documents and a computer tracking system that records outcomes.

The challenges which the report highlights relate to record-keeping and evidence-gathering for court prosecutions. Many of the concerns in this area were related to a lack of resources and the workload challenges of preparing cases for court.

The report ends with suggestions for improving the system, including the provision of extra resources, advanced planning and earlier identification and intervention.