The use of legal proceedings in cases of non‐attendance at school: perceptions of Education Welfare Officers

Abstract

Summary The research to which reference is made within this short report formed the initial stage of a project designed to consider the views of various concerned parties towards the use of legal action in cases of non‐attendance at school. Within this primary phase of the research, particular emphasis was placed on the views of Education Welfare Officers (EWOs), since, as integral players in the implementation of attendance‐related legal proceedings, it was felt that their attitudes must inevitably impinge on the manner in which, and the extent to which, this form of intervention is employed. Group and individual interviews were carried out in order to ascertain the perceptions of officers within one county's Education Welfare Service. Questionnaires were then used to collect statistical data regarding the extent to which those officers had previously employed, and were currently engaged in, the legal process within their routine casework. Wide‐ranging views were found to be evident, with some officers believing legal action to be a valuable tool, whilst others were strongly opposed to its use. Consideration was therefore given to the implications of these differing views on the future work of the Education Welfare Service.