The beginning of September brings the familiar “back to school” routine — new uniforms, school runs, and the return of structure after the summer holidays. For separated parents, however, it can also highlight the importance of clear child arrangements and an understanding of parental responsibility.

As a family law solicitors, we often see this time of year spark questions about how separated parents should manage day-to-day schooling, decision-making, and term-time routines. Getting these issues sorted early can make the school year smoother for everyone — especially the children.

Reviewing Child Arrangements for the New Term

What worked last academic year may not be suitable this September. For example, your child may be starting school for the first time, moving to secondary school, or relocating to a different area. This may mean reviewing:

• School drop-offs and pick-ups – who is responsible on which days.
• After-school activities and clubs – agreeing on attendance, transport, and costs.
• Term-time schedules – ensuring routines around homework, bedtimes, and school nights are consistent across both homes.
• Holiday planning – using the published term dates as a prompt to agree holiday arrangements well in advance.

If both parents can agree on these matters, no outside involvement is needed. But where disagreements arise, it may be sensible to seek advice from a solicitor or explore mediation before matters escalate.

What is Parental Responsibility (PR)?

Parental responsibility is the legal term for the rights and duties a parent (or sometimes another adult, such as a guardian or someone with a Child Arrangements Order) has for a child. PR includes making important decisions about a child’s welfare, upbringing, and education.

Some key educational decisions that usually require all holders of PR to agree include:

• Which school the child attends (including admission applications).
• Applications for authorised absence from school.
• Changing a child’s surname, which requires consent from all with PR or the court’s permission.
• Relocation to another area or abroad, which also involves agreeing on a new school.

Unless there is a court order restricting involvement, every parent or guardian with PR has the right to be consulted and informed about their child’s schooling.

Rights of Parents with PR

Even if a parent does not have day-to-day care of the child, they still have important rights in relation to education, such as:

• Receiving copies of school reports.
• Being invited to parents’ evenings and key school meetings.
• Voting or standing in parent governor elections.

Schools should keep both parents updated where possible, and parents can help by providing copies of any court orders or clear communication about arrangements.

Resolving Disagreements

Sometimes separated parents cannot reach agreement about a child’s schooling. Common areas of dispute include which school a child should attend, how school holidays are divided, or who is responsible for certain costs.

There are several options before resorting to court:

• Direct discussions to reach a compromise.
• Mediation – Cygnet Law can outsource support from Tees Valley Mediation and Fountain Mediation for any escalating matters
• Parenting plans, which set out practical agreements in writing (helpful resources are available via CAFCASS).
• Solicitors’ correspondence to clarify positions and seek resolution.

Where disagreements cannot be resolved, the court can make decisions through orders such as a Specific Issue Order (for example, deciding on which school a child should attend) or a Child Arrangements Order (confirming where the child lives and spends time). The child’s best interests will always be the court’s primary consideration.

Final Thoughts

The start of the new school year is more than just a return to routine — it’s an opportunity for separated parents to review and, if necessary, update child arrangements. Cooperation, forward planning, and a shared focus on your child’s education can reduce stress and provide the stability children need to thrive.

At Cygnet Law, our family law specialists can provide clear advice on parental responsibility, child arrangements, and put agreements in place and help seek mediation. If you are facing difficulties with back-to-school planning, we are here to help.

Contact our team today on 01642 777 680