Education Welfare Officer

To contribute to raising pupil educational attainment by providing appropriate support and challenge to schools and parents/carers in order to ensure regular school attendance. Assist in solving those problems which may affect a child's ability to benefit from educational opportunities available. Acting as a lead professional as appropriate. Ensure that the LA properly discharges its statutory duties under the 1996 Education Act and subsequent Education, Child Care and Anti-Social Behaviour Acts In relation to attendance and the Children and Young Persons Act 1993 in relation to child employment and performance licences.
To represent the Local Authority and to ensure that the Local Authority properly discharges Its statutory duties in relation to permanent exclusions In accordance to DfE guidance and relevant legislation. To attend Primary Emergency Annual Reviews to help prevent permanent exclusions of pupils who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs. To assist with Governor Training in respect of Permanent Exclusion procedures. To prepare, present and prosecute court proceedings.
**Specific duties and responsibilities include**: Contribute to improving the attendance of pupils at school and contribute to the prevention of exclusions from school by acting as lead professional for the child/family when appropriate, identifying barriers to engaging with education and putting strategies in place to address them. Develop supportive relationships with pupils and parents through home and school visits, group work, attendance surgeries; using professional skills and expertise to reach hard to engage children and families Analyse attendance data and provide insights and support to schools to develop action plans/policy making and target setting. Provide advice, support and training to school staff and governors in respect of the management of and procedures relating to school attendance, exclusions and child employment and the relevant legislation and guidance which must be adhered to prevent the exclusion of pupils with Statements of Special Educational Need. Represent the Authority at multi-agency meetings such as Child Protection/Anti-Social Behaviour/Permanent Exclusion GDCM's/Pastoral Support Programmes/Team Around the Child; the role has the authority to decide on and enact statutory processes regarding poor attendance in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance.
Co-ordinate and chair meetings in schools for staff, parents, pupils in relation to pupil attendance and determine whether statutory processes regarding attendance need to be invoked. To ensure that the Local Authority properly to discharges it statutory duties in relation to school attendance education otherwise then at school and matters of fixed period and permanent exclusions in accordance with relevant legislation and guidance (e.g. Elective Home Educated; Children Missing Education processes). Enforce the statutory procedures with regard to child employment and instigate legal proceedings where necessary.
This requires skilled liaison and challenge with parents, guardians, agents, employers or any other person/organisation engaged in employing children and the skills and knowledge to navigate legal procedures. Carry out and record all aspects of case management using the Education Welfare Service information management systems including electronic recording and databases. Carry out statutory duties on behalf of the Local Authority in regard of school attendance by using relevant tools such as Penalty Notices, Prosecution, Parenting Contracts/Orders, School attendance Orders and Education Supervision Orders. Prepare and present cases in the Magistrates Court on behalf of the local authority and be the appointed supervising officer for education supervision orders and parenting orders.
Initiate LA attendance meeting and make decision about course of further action in relation to laid down procedures including initiating Penalty Notices, Court Assessment Interviews and Education Supervision Orders. Working within a legislative framework: Operating within relevant policy, legal, ethical and professional boundaries when working with children and families. Effectively delivering all statutory requirements. Following local practice standards and protocols.
**Supervision and continual development**: Actively engaging in individual and group supervision and embed learning in practice. Maintaining up to date knowledge and skills as required by the role. Participating in appraisal and team meetings and contribute to individual and team development.