Pupil Access and Community Services

                        County Hall

                        Martineau Lane

                        Norwich

                        NR1 2DL

                       

                        Minicom:  (01603) 223833

                                               

                                          Mrs. R. Vahey

                 PACS/RV/FM/NPAS Dev-RV-Sch Let                     01603 223472/223466

                 20th August 2002                 Fax  01603 222900

                                           ros.vahey.edu@norfolk.gov.uk

 

 

 

 

To:                 Headteachers of all LEA Schools

 

 

 

 

Dear Colleague

 

Norfolk Pupil Attendance Service

 

I am writing to inform you about arrangements for the forthcoming year and to let you know that Grace Cheese, Head of Service, is currently off work ill and unlikely to return for some weeks. In the meantime Trevor Boore becomes Acting Head of Service, with Sue Bessey (01493 336300) taking on responsibilities for child protection.

 

We are not planning any changes this year to the allocation of Education Social Worker (ESW) time given to each school or cluster, or to the current Service Specification (MI 145/01).  This decision has been made as a result of the National Foundation for Education Research (NFER) not yet fully evaluating the two years devolution pilot, which ended in July this year.  Whilst at present there are no clear indications of likely guidance that will follow from the DfES, it does appear that the impact on the structure and delivery of services in Norfolk will be minimal.  However, it would be wise to await the outcome before making any long term plans.

 

In order to help determine the future direction and priorities of the Norfolk Pupil Attendance Service, we are planning a consultation exercise involving schools, teaching representatives, the LEA and others early in 2003. This will take into consideration any guidance and recommendations from the DfES.  It will also consider outcomes of a local trial exercise concerning casework practice that took place last term and which will continue in those same schools for the next year.  Under this scheme ‘the limit of the number of cases an ESW can effectively hold’ (MI145/01) was set at 25.  Education Social Workers report that casework is more focussed and effective but further evidence from schools, in particular, is required before considering extending the scheme to all staff.

 

Improving attendance remains a key element in our school improvement strategy and your continuing efforts working in partnership with us are appreciated.

 

Yours sincerely

 

 

Dr B Slater

Director of Education