Attendance and Welfare Service (AWS)

The Attendance and Welfare Service are part of the Inclusion team. The Attendance and Welfare Service provides advice and support to schools and families in respect of matters which may prevent children and young people from fully benefiting from the educational opportunities available to them.

The Service works alongside schools and other support agencies to promote regular school attendance supporting the Local Authority with its statutory duties regarding school attendance under section 444 of the Education Act 1996. The service recognises that good attendance is essential if pupils are to gain the most from their education. Below are just some of the key reasons why it is so important children attend school:

• To ensure children and young people reach their own individual full potential academically. 

• To build and maintain positive peer relationships. 

• To build confidence and self-esteem. 

• To experience new things and develop coping strategies. 

Parents can help with all these things by ensuring children and young people are encouraged to attend school regularly, by developing good routines and liaising with school regards absences. Frequent absence seriously disrupts the continuity of learning and leads to under-achievement and low attainment. 

Parents are primarily responsible for ensuring the regular school attendance of their children. They should speak to school in the first instance, if they have any concerns around their child’s education or attendance. If you would like to know more about the Attendance and Welfare Service or would like some advice or guidance, please telephone 01642 837738 or email AWS@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk