TEAM EWS – Education Welfare Officer (EWO)

TEAM EWS works in partnership with schools to agree the appropriate level of support. Together, we determine the number of days or half-days required for a school-based Education Welfare Officer (EWO) to provide effective, tailored support that helps improve overall attendance.

Service Standards

• Meet regularly with parents to identify barriers to full-time education and work collaboratively with families and schools to improve attendance outcomes.
• Support pupils and families where welfare or social care concerns exist, while also appropriately challenging parents who condone poor attendance and monitoring the impact of interventions.
• Act as an advocate for the child’s education, strengthening partnerships between home, school, community, and the Local Authority, always prioritising the best interests of the child.
• Take supportive and remedial action with individual pupils to secure regular attendance at school or alternative educational provision.
• Ensure full compliance with legislative requirements and fulfil all statutory Education Welfare Service responsibilities.
• Initiate statutory action where non-attendance persists, including preparing court evidence under the Education Act 1996 and the Children Act 1989.
• Implement the Local Authority’s Fixed Penalty Notice Code of Conduct on behalf of the Head Teacher.
• Advise and support schools in implementing School Attendance Regulations and using attendance data to effectively monitor and manage attendance.
• Contribute proactively to school policy and planning, including the development of whole-school attendance policies and liaison with governors where appropriate.
• Participate in child protection procedures when required, including contributing to the development and delivery of child protection plans.
• Make referrals and work collaboratively with other professionals and agencies to ensure joined-up support.
• Provide termly impact reports demonstrating the effectiveness of our service.
• Offer telephone and email advice outside of designated visit days where urgent concerns arise, such as safeguarding matters or inspection-related requests.