Education Welfare Service

Torfaen’s Education Welfare Service provides professional support to children, families and schools to improve school attendance.

Research shows average attendance rates of 95 per cent and above are key to a good education.  

What can I do if I am concerned about my child’s attendance?

The first step is to contact your child’s school to ask for a meeting with the person responsible for your child’s year group.  You should explain the circumstances and any issues preventing the child from attending school regularly.   

The school will then take steps to support you and your child to improve attendance, which may include meeting with your school’s Education Welfare Officer.

If you would like further advice and support, you can the service by emailing EWS@torfaen.gov.uk and putting the name of your child’s school in the subject line. 

How can the Education Welfare Service help?

Officers can help children, families and teaching staff to explore the reasons for school absence, such as physical or mental health problems or emotionally-based school non-attendance, and then offer appropriate information and guidance.

They can also advise families about specialist support services and make referrals to appropriate services.

What can I expect from the service?

Education Welfare Officers work in partnership with pupils, families and schools to improve pupil attendance.

They will agree and put action plans in place to increase attendance at school or an alternative educational provision, such as shorter or less frequent days for a specified period.

Officers have a duty to consider any safeguarding or child protection issues, which will be discussed with families.

If parents or carers do not engage with officers’ recommendations or ensure their child attends school or an alternative educational establishment, the service can issue Fixed Penalty Notices or prosecution action on behalf of the local authority.