Local Authorities have a duty under the Education Act 1996 to enforce parents/carers responsibility to ensure that children of compulsory school age receive suitable education. This duty is carried out by the Education Welfare Service.
The service is organised into two teams covering the east and west of Gateshead. Each school has an allocated Education Welfare Officer who visits the school regularly to discuss any concerns they have about pupils school attendance. The Education Welfare Officer works with schools and parents/carers to ensure regular school attendance.
Education Welfare Officer can offer
-
Advice and support regarding school attendance;
-
Accompany you to meetings;
-
Meet with your child in school;
-
Visit you in your home if necessary;
-
Liaise with school staff on your behalf.
The Education Welfare Service also has a responsibility to monitor and issue entertainment licences, child employment (work permits) and children missing from education.
In Gateshead the Education Welfare Service works with schools to reward groups of pupils and individuals for improved and excellent attendance.