School Attendance - For Every Child a chance

What is the Education Welfare Service?

Every School in Leicester City is supported by a trained Education Welfare Officer who:

• can offer advice and guidance to families and young people in respect of school attendance and other school related issues
• work in partnership with schools and parents to maximise pupils educational opportunities
• work together with other agencies involved in the welfare of children
• advise on, monitor and enforce Child Employment regulations.

The Law Says:

• Parents/carers have a duty to ensure that children of compulsory school age receive an appropriate education.
• A child reaches compulsory school age, the term following their 5th birthday and is legally able to leave school on the last Friday in June of the school year during which the child becomes 16.

Remember if your child is not in school:

• they may be absent without your knowledge.
• they may be at risk.
• they are missing out on their education.
• you may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice (the penalty is £50 or £100) or  prosecuted by the Local Authority in the Magistrates' Court and fined up to £1,000. If it is proved you knew of your child's non attendance and failed without reasonable justification to ensure regular attendance a fine of up to £2,500 and/or a term of imprisonment may be imposed by the court.
• The court also has the power to direct a Parenting Order requiring your attendance at counselling and guidance sessions and specifying other appropriate action by you as directed by the Education Department.

You can help your child by:

• working together with your child's school.
• letting the school know on the first day of any absence.
• Not taking children on visits or shopping during school time.
• taking a positive interest in your child's work
• listening to your child.
• ensuring your child is ready for the school day.
• Checking your child's attendance with the school if it is a concern
• making sure your child is not illegally employed or being exploited.

Students with good attendance

• achieve better
• feel happier
• gain confidence
• find it easier to make and keep friends
• have better prospects of employment and training

The Education Welfare Service can help!

If you are concerned about your child's school attendance it is always best to talk to the school first. If you feel unable to do this or would like further help contact the service on 0116 221 1260 and talk to us. We are open during usual office hours as well as when schools are closed.

Each school within Leicester City has an Education Welfare Officer who is either based in school or visits regularly to check registers and discuss attendance and welfare related concerns.

The Officer can provide advice and support on:-

• School Attendance Issues
• Bullying
• Exclusions
• Procedures relating to Child Protection
• Special Educational Needs
• Child Employment

Leicester City Education Welfare Service