Of course, EWOs seek to prevent pupil absenteeism, but they also provide "lower-level social service" functions to understand the causes of absenteeism. They build vital links between school and home, and work with families to spot problems early.
Are they effective? Well, if Ofsted's Children Missing From Education report last month is anything to go by, then absolutely. Some of the best practice witnessed by inspectors was led by the education welfare service. However, the role of education welfare is often underestimated and under the radar. It is especially vulnerable to cuts. Bolton this year scrapped its education welfare service - despite it having boosted school attendance and being rated as outstanding.
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