Resources: The role of an Educational Welfare officer

In brief

• School attendance
• Bullying
• Exclusion
• Alternative education provision
• Child Protection
• Child Employment, Performance & Chaperone Licences
• To link with agencies and support organisations for children of school age

In detail

Securing School Attendance Close working partnership with school staff to ensure and promote high levels of school attendance. Also provides support to improve punctuality.

Enforcing School Attendance Taking legal action by prosecuting in a Magistrate Court in order to enforce the attendance of some pupils

Regular School Visits Guaranteeing at least one visit per week to every secondary school and one visit per month to all other schools. (Schools under special measures or those with a higher than average truancy rate receive additional visits and support)

Response to School Referrals The Education Welfare Service guarantees a first response within 5 working days to all school referrals

Attendance Register Checks Regular attendance checks and advice to improve approaches in the completion and monitoring of attendance registers.

Parental Involvement Providing advice, support and information to school staff and parents in order to increase involvement in school

Education Legislation Advice Providing advice and guidance to schools on legislation relating to school attendance, punctuality, family holidays during term time, permanent and fixed-term exclusion, work experience, child employment, performance licences, school leaving date her issues.

Facilitating Referrals to other Agencies Assisting schools to refer appropriate cases to other agencies including Children Social Work, Family Service Unit, Child & Family Clinics and securing agency response.

Exclusions Providing advice on LEA policy and procedures as well as support through the Exclusion Project in its overall aim to reduce exclusions.

Performance & Chaperone Licences Carry out investigations, interviews and issue licences within the statutory timescale of 21 days, ensuring the maintenance of computer and other records and ensuring that the education and welfare of each pupil is looked after.