5 year old sick= Education Welfare Officer on the case. I'm fuming

[brette]

Hello,
I just received a letter from school telling me that my 5 year old will be monitored by an Education Welfare Officer given his poor attendance of 87% against the normal 95%.

He's been repeatedly ill this autumn, the policy of the school is to keep your child at home until perfectly well, we've always notified the school, the headteacher keeps saying how he wants to work closely with parents, and now this...

It's bureaucracy gone mad.

I am so angry at the lack of common sense.

The head concludes his letter by saying he wants to communicate and work closely with us. Maybe a little letter beforhand would have been useful?

Anyway, my question is: Do you think I can request the name of the officer to clarify the situation and save time and ressources for everyone involved?
And what are the consequences of being on this register?

It'll be a standard letter - nothing to worry about. I was to get a letter about how if I was having dificulties paying for school lunches that I should contact the school - DD's lunch money was 10p short by mistake..

Everybody gets them, honestly don't fume it's automatic if they fall below a certain percentage. Really not worth getting steamed up about imo.

Ok, I've calmed down

brette - it will be a standard letter; schools have to challenge poor attendance and under a certain % have to report to the EWO. They have no choice, it will be the policy of your local authority.

Just keep doing what your doing - keep them informed when he's off sick, send him back when he's better and don't keep him off unnecessarily (I'm not saying you do but some people do). You can ask to meet with the EWO if you'd like, ask the school for her name and number.

The consequences of being monitored by the EWO are that she may want to speak with you if your ds's attendance falls further. They may say they won't authorise without evidence of his illness eg sight of a GP appointment card or prescription. Below 80% attendance could mean you get a penalty warning notice. I'm sure it won't come to that, once winter is over they seem to pick up less bugs so his % will improve.