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 supporting 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 will consider taking legal
action.
The EWS also has an important role in ensuring that children
with
part-time jobs are employed legally, are properly protected and
safeguarded, and that their employment conforms to the
county bye-laws. Similarly, it ensures that children
taking part in performances are
licensed and appropriately looked after.
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.