§ Mr. CohenTo 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 ClarkeEducation 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 Friend the Secretary of State recently issued for consultation new draft guidance, "Social Inclusion: Pupil Support", which includes a section specifically concerned with the role of Education Welfare Officers; we look forward to responses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.