Written question asked by Harry Cohen (Labour) on Thursday, 28 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 February 1999. It was answered by Charles Clarke (Labour) on Thursday, 11 February 1999 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, what plans he has to increase the responsibilities of education welfare officers in respect of absenteeism and truancy. - Inc ref to new draft guidance, "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support".

Answer: Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what plans he has to increase the responsibilities of education welfare officers in respect of absenteeism and truancy. [68910] Mr. Charles Clarke: Education Welfare Officers have a long history of working closely with schools and families to promote regular attendance. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State recently issued for consultation new draft guidance, "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support", which includes a section specifically concerned with the role of Education Welfare Officers; we look forward to responses to that.

Secondary information