Most parents want their children to get on well in life. Nowadays, it is more important than ever to have a good education behind you if you want opportunities in adult life.
Children only get one chance at school, and your child's chances of a successful future may be affected by not attending school or alternative provision regularly. If children do not attend school regularly, they may not be able to keep up with schoolwork. In a busy school day it is difficult for schools to find the extra time to help a child catch up.
It's not only the academic work. Missing out on the social side of school life, especially at primary school, can affect a child's ability to make and keep friendships, a vital part of growing up. Setting good attendance patterns from an early age, from nursery classes through primary school, will also help your child later on.
Employers want to recruit people who are reliable. So children who have a poor school attendance record may have less chance of getting a good job. Being on time is also vital. Arriving late at school can be very disruptive for your child, the teacher, and the other children in the class. Some parents may be trying but finding it hard to get their children to attend school.
Having difficulties getting your child to school?
The Education Welfare Service's main task is to monitor absence and work with families and young people where the level of absence is giving cause for concern. The Education Welfare Service will work with the school who will identify causes for concern where they need the specialist help of the Education Welfare Officer.
The Education Welfare Officer will often visit the home and talk with students and parents about the problem and seek to resolve it amicably and achieve a return to school. However, should there be no genuine reason for absence, the Local Education Authority has the power to prosecute the parents for not sending their children to school.
If you are having diffculty with your childs attendance at school our Education Welfare Officers can offer support and advice to help. To get in touch with your school's Education Welfare Officer, either ask at the school or contact us on 01443 866687 or email educws@caerphilly.gov.uk.