The Education Welfare Service's main task is to help schools improve pupils' attendance and reduce unnecessary absence and truancy. To achieve this, the Education Welfare Service works with children and young people, their families, schools, educational services and other statutory and voluntary agencies.
All schools in Darlington are visited regularly by one of the team of Education Welfare Officers (EWOs). The EWOs encourage regular attendance at school and help to resolve any problems which may be affecting pupils attendance. They are also available to offer advice, guidance and assistance.
The confidential services of an EWO are available to any parent/carer or pupil who may wish to discuss any matter connected with a child's education, school attendance related difficulties or general welfare.
Your child's school has an Education Welfare Officer who can be contacted on 01325 388882
Attendance Policy (pdf document)
The Law
Parents have a legal duty to ensure their children who are of compulsory school age receive a full-time and appropriate education "either by regular attendance at school or otherwise" (Education Act 1996). The main task of the Education Welfare Service (EWS) is to ensure this happens.
Where necessary, the EWS supports parents in meeting their legal responsibilities regarding their children's education. It does this by helping parents recognise and overcome any reasons for poor school attendance and encouraging them to return their children to school quickly (or to register them at school if this is not the case and they are not in receipt of satisfactory alternative provision). In this way it is hoped that all children will receive the education to which they are entitled.
The EWS also works with schools to encourage good attendance and so raise the achievement of their pupils. If, despite support, parents still fail to ensure their children's education, the Local Education Authority may prosecute the parent(s). This could result in parents being fined up to £2,500 for each child who is not going to school and/or a possibility of imprisonment for up to 3 months. In addition, the EWS works with schools and other agencies to protect and safeguard children.
One of the best ways of ensuring children's safety is by their regular attendance at school.
Family holidays during term time
Wherever possible, you should take your holidays during school holidays.
Avoid taking your child on holiday at times when he or she should be taking exams or tests.
You should not expect your child's school to agree to a family holiday during term time. The school will carefully consider your request and they may take your child's attendance record into account.
Schools will not agree to your child missing more than a total of ten school days for family holidays in any one school year, unless there is a very good reason. If your child is off school for more than ten days, the school may set work for him or her to do while you are away.
Other Services we provide
The Education Welfare Service, on behalf of the Local Education Authority, is responsible for ensuring that all young people who undertake part-time employment or who participate in forms of public entertainment (eg pantomimes) are properly registered and are not performing tasks or duties which could damage their health or place them in physical or moral danger, or have an adverse affect on their education.
This legislation does not refer to the work carried out by young people who are on works experience which is organised and by individual schools