We provide direct support to schools, parents and young people in providing services on behalf of the Local Education Authority and deal with non-attendance , Child Protection, Child Employment and supporting children who have been excluded.The Local Education Authority discharges its legal obligation with regard to school attendance through the Education Welfare Service . It seeks to do this in collaboration both with families and with schools in order to ensure that young people receive the education to which they are entitled. In addition, the has core duties relating to child employment, permanent exclusion and the local authority's youth justice strategy. Education Welfare Officers work closely with schools, families and students, placing a high priority on partnership and joint working in order to foster positive relationships, and identify and assist children.We are part of the Children's Services within Lincolnshire County Council. Our prime role is to promote and enforce regular school attendance through advice and support to schools, pupils and their families.We also monitor and regulate the part-time employment of children and young people of statutory school age. We are responsible for the licensing of pupils who engage in acting, performing and related activities.

	Responding to referrals of pupils with levels of unacceptable school attendance.
	Initiating legal proceedings against parents who fail to ensure their child attends school regularly.
	Register inspection and reports to Headteachers and Governors.
	Training/workshops for staff on attendance and registration practice.
	Whole school approaches to attendance.
	Providing advice and training on Child Protection issues.
	Signposting staff regarding allegations against teaching and non-teaching staff.
	Providing support and advice on fixed term and permanent exclusion.
	Contributing to Discipline Committee meetings.
	Working with schools to develop strategies to avoid exclusions.
	Advise schools on continuing education for pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers.
	Providing advice and information on child employment and entertainment issues.

The Education Welfare Service, also known as the Education Access Team, is primarily concerned with securing improved attendance at Bristol schools. Our aim is to achieve attendance rates that are higher than the national average and unauthorised absence rates which are reducing year upon year. We support schools in setting up effective systems and strategies to deal with non-attendance at an early stage, and are involved in the development and implementation of initiatives which will have an impact on school attendance.