Supporting school age parents

The education welfare service (EWS) supports young mothers to continue their education through a pregnancy reintegration officer.

The aim is to ensure that the prospective young mother has adequate support and education prior to and following the birth of her baby from a range of educational packages

• the role of the pregnancy reintegration officer is to provide support and education prior to and following the birth of the baby. This is done by removing inhibiting factors e.g transport, childcare, etc.
• the officer receives referrals from pupils, schools and other agencies is the first point of contact
• the reintegration officer also arranges pre birth workshops for school age parents.
• it is important to know that the pregnancy reintegration officer has a statutory duty to inform our children’s services department about all pregnancies.
• following a referral it is possible that an officer from the children’s services (social care) will need to speak to the young person, but this will not always be the case. .

What does the EWS do?

• we make sure that individual schools are aware of their obligations towards young mothers and raise awareness on broader issues
• we establish procedures for referrals, monitor progress and collect data for statistical and targeting purposes
• we ‘map’ provision for young mothers prior to and after the birth of the baby
• we monitor educational progress and achievements of the young mother
• we help to overcome barriers affecting a successful return to school
• help improve attendance levels in mainstream and alternative education
• give general support and advocacy
• improve education attainment prior to the birth of the baby
• improve self-esteem and develop parenting skills and advise on post birth contraception
• support young fathers
• offer advice to schools on the personal, health and social educational curriculum
• look at alternative educational arrangements e.g. college if this is appropriate
• transport pupils to and from places where their education is taking place
• provide appropriate education (e.g. home tuition) prior to and after the birth of the baby to ensure that a return to education is possible
• in certain circumstances offer support for childcare
• arrange life-skills classes
• arrange advice for the new mother after their statutory school leaving date on future educational options.