Absence from School

The Education Welfare Service aims to provide early intervention to support children, young people, parents, carers and schools to promote regular school attendance and each child’s right to education.

Education Welfare and Children Missing Education

Educational Psychology

The Educational Psychology Service (EPS) can support children and young people aged 0 to 25 years of age with psychological issues, within educational and community settings such as pre-schools, schools, colleges, children's homes and children’s centres.

Educational Psychology Service (EPS)

Exclusion from school

Exclusion from school is when your child is sent home from school for not following the school’s behaviour code. It is the headteacher's decision. There are two types of exclusions, fixed and permanent.

SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS)

SEND Information, Advice and Support Service (SENDIASS) is at 'arm's length' from Worcestershire's Local Authority and are able to give impartial and neutral advice. They support parents and carers of children with SEND, children and young people themselves and provide many services to facilitate this support. They have produced a leaflet on exclusions that can help support and guide families.

The Exclusions and Fair Access service

The Fair Access and Exclusions Team provides support for children and young people, parents and carers, school leaders, governing bodies and other professionals with exclusions and ensuring pupil receive a suitable education. 

Fair Access and Exclusions Team

Behaviour Outreach Service support for pupils at risk of permanent exclusion in mainstream school

The Perryfields Outreach Team provides preventative behaviour support to the primary, first and middle schools in South Worcestershire. They deliver tailored programmes of support to mainstream schools to promote positive behaviour management strategies and champion inclusive practice.

Perryfields Outreach Team

Permanent exclusions educational provision - Pupil Referral Units (PRU)

If a child has been permanently excluded from school alternative provision will be provided in the form of a placement at a PRU. During placements the individual educational, behavioural and social needs of the pupil can be assessed and any difficulties addressed with a view to returning, where possible, to mainstream school.

South Worcestershire:

Perryfields Primary PRU

Newbridge Secondary PRU

North Worcestershire:

The Beacon Primary PRU

The Forge Secondary Short Stay PRU

Special School placements for pupils with social, emotional and mental health issues

Where mainstream school may not be the option there are Special School placements in schools that specialise in social, emotional and mental health issues.

The Central Learning Partnership Trust Worcestershire schools have particular expertise in working with children and young people who have learning difficulties, autism and social and emotional difficulties.

Central Learning Partnership Trust

Gypsy Roma travellers

The Gypsy Roma Traveller Education Team provides education support and family advocacy to the community of gypsy roma travellers, showman families, circus families and new age travellers who reside in Worcestershire.

Gypsy Roma Traveller Education Team

Home education

Home education enables parents to provide a learning environment which is individualised to their child's needs and interests without having to follow the National Curriculum; although some parents may choose to do so. The Local Authority can provide you with information, advice and guidance on approaches to home education at parents' requests.

Here are a few of the things to consider when thinking about home education:

• is your child positive about the suggestion?
• are you convinced it is the best course of action for your child?
• do you have the time to devote to your child’s education on a regular basis?
• do you feel you are able to provide your child with a suitable education?
• are you able to buy the necessary resources or have access to them?
• do you have some support available?
• do you have the space available for a quiet working area?
• are there are opportunities for physical exercise?
• are there opportunities for socialising with other children?

Deciding to educate your child at home is a major step that not only involves commitment but also a tremendous investment in time and energy so it is well worth talking to someone who has experience of home education before finally making a decision.

• Elective Home Education Policy (PDF)

There is a home education service they can be contacted via ElectiveHomeEducation@worcestershire.gov.uk

Flexi-Schooling

Flexi-Schooling is an arrangement between parent and school where children of compulsory school age are on roll at a school but where the provision is split between attendance at school and home education arranged by the parents or carers. 

This guidance provides some more detail for Schools, Parents and Carers: Flexi-Schooling Guidance (PDF)