Education Welfare

The Local Education Authority fulfills its legal obligation with regard to school attendance through the Education Welfare Service (EWS). To achieve this the service works in collaboration with both families and with schools, in order to ensure that children and young people receive the education to which they are entitled.

The EWS also has an important role in ensuring that young people within the education system are employed legally, and those involved in entertainment are licensed appropriately.

EWS SERVICE LEVEL AGREEMENT WITH SCHOOLS - access PDF copy in schools section links (print off a copy, arrange a meeting to discuss with your Education Welfare Officer, make any necessary changes, sign and return). - last updated 11 September 2008

Education Welfare Service
Holne Chase Centre
Buckingham Road
Bletchley
Milton Keynes
MK3 5HP

Tel: 01908 657800
Fax: 01908 373337

E mail - Education Welfare

Find out who the Education Welfare Officer is at your school and how to contact them

All children deserve the opportunity to achieve their full potential More about supporting children and families to stay safe

Education Welfare Officers (EWOs) work with young people and children who have problems with irregular attendance or absence from school (sometimes referred to as truancy). They investigate the reasons behind the absence, which may include problems relating to health, family, bullying or working illegally. EWO's work with schools and other agencies to support children and their families in resolving school attendance issues. More about Education Welfare Officers and what they do

Whether you are a teacher with responsibility for school attendance or a parent wanting to know how to contact a school's allocated Education Welfare Officer - this website will answer those questions and provide you with access to a variety of information that relates to school attendance -

Sample of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

All part-time employment of young people of school age is subject to regulation by the Local Authority. Employers and young people will need to apply for a work permit. Any employer who allows a young person of school age to work, without first obtaining a work permit, is breaking the law and could be prosecuted. More about Child Employment Regulations

The law says that children must attend school regularly and punctually if they are to achieve their full academic potential. It does not say that parents have the right to take their child out of school for holidays during term time. More on holidays during term time

Legislation requires that all children, from babies until they cease to be of compulsory school age, be licensed by the Local Authority in which they live, to take part in a performance or in a broadcast. More about the legislation and licence application process