ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the extent of absenteeism across the project schools and deals with it by means of extra education social work support. Pupil absenteeism is a perennial concern of schools and one which was particularly highlighted in the context of the project. An education social worker (ESW) was appointed to work intensively with those pupils in the project schools who presented the most severe instances of non-attendance. The chapter describes then how the project ESW developed his role and examines some data relevant to attendance patterns in the schools over the three years 1978/79 to 1980/81. The experience gained in this project may also support the view that the work of ESWs should involve a greater degree of selectivity than is the case at the moment. It might imply focusing specifically on cases of persistent absenteeism which become apparent in the third year or below.
