School Attendance and Pupil Welfare
Education Welfare Service
Our Education Welfare Service works in partnership with families, schools, and other agencies to promote regular school attendance and ensure every child has access to their right to education. We provide early help and support to address barriers to attendance, offer guidance around legal responsibilities, and advocate for children and young people’s wellbeing. Whether you're facing school refusal, attendance concerns, or need advice on education options, we’re here to help build strong home school connections and positive future pathways.
We are dedicated to supporting learners and families in overcoming barriers to regular school attendance. Each school in the county is served by an Education Welfare Officer who collaborates with schools, families, and other agencies to promote consistent attendance and address any underlying issues affecting a child’s education.
Establishing positive attendance habits from an early age lays the foundation for future success. Research consistently shows that pupils who attend school regularly tend to achieve stronger academic outcomes, particularly in their GCSEs, compared to those with lower attendance. Beyond the academic impact, regular attendance is essential for children’s social development. Missing school can mean missing out on vital opportunities to build and maintain friendships, especially during the formative early years.
Punctuality is equally important. Arriving on time helps your child start the day calmly, confidently, and minimises disruption to their learning and the learning of others. Persistent lateness, particularly after the register has closed, may be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
If your child is experiencing difficulties attending school, or if you have concerns about their welfare in relation to education, you can access support by contacting your child's school directly or by contacting the Education Welfare Service. We are all here to help and support you.
Every absence matters. Missing just 2 days a month means a child misses 10% of the school year.
In addition to our work with schools, we also support children and young people who are Electively Home Educated. While parents have the legal right to educate their children at home, we aim to ensure that all EHE learners receive a suitable and efficient education. Our team maintains regular contact with EHE families, offering guidance, resources, and support visits to help them meet their educational responsibilities. We provide a non-judgemental, collaborative approach and work to build positive relationships with families, signposting them to relevant services and support networks where needed. Our goal is to promote the best outcomes for every child, regardless of their educational setting.
Our Education Welfare Service actively supports service children and their families, recognising the unique challenges they may face, such as frequent relocations, parental deployment, or adjusting to new school environments. We work in collaboration with SSCE Cymru Supporting Service Children in Education in Wales (opens in a new tab) to ensure these learners receive the understanding and targeted support they need. Through this partnership, we help schools identify service children on roll, ensure appropriate transitions are in place, and provide advice and interventions tailored to their specific circumstances.
Contact information
Educationwelfareservice@pembrokeshire.gov.uk
01437 77764551
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