Education welfare service

We are a specialist team of Education Welfare officers (EWOs) who are qualified and experienced in working with schools to develop systems, procedures and interventions, working in partnership with organisations to improve attendance and reduce persistent absence.

We fulfil both statutory and non-statutory functions in relation to compulsory school-aged children and young people.

We advise schools, academies, and other education providers, as well as parents and carers, other professionals and employers on legislation related to education welfare, and support them in fulfilling their legal responsibilities.

Find out more about our service below or contact us online.

Our statutory offer

We provide all Barnsley Council maintained schools with an Education Welfare Officer (EWO) to help schools meet statutory responsibilities.

Our traded offer

Schools can buy in our services to help monitor, track and improve attendance and access a range of support in other areas.

Primary school children on climbing frame

Responsibilities of schools and academies

How schools and academies play an important role in educating pupils and parents about the impact of poor attendance.

Useful resources

Use our bank of useful resources to support your work to improve pupils' attendance in your school.

Feedback about our service

I want to thank you for never giving up on me'. I'm now working and helping young people who, like me, didn't attend school for one reason or another.

Former pupil

We had a very good OFSTED outcome and our education welfare officer was fabulous with his support for Angie and the school. His work with our team has had real impact and we are thrilled with the service.

Barnsley school

You and your staff are a credit to BMBC and should be proud of your contribution to the lives and welfare of the young people you work with.

Councillor

The education welfare officer working with the youth offending team has helped me get my son back on track with his school work. She's helped him get back into education and listened to his problems.

Barnsley parent