Attendance Note

Please note that our pupil attendance rate has fallen somewhat in recent years, particularly so during Covid times, but recovery rates are a little slower than expected. The Board of Management has an Attendance Strategy and, as we seek to promote good attendance, we respectfully ask that you pay particular attention to planned absences that can impact on schooling, particularly in relation to holidays etc. I attach an information sheet from Tusla in this regard.

————————————————————————————————Dear Parent/Guardian

I am writing to tell you a little about the Education Welfare Act, 2000 (amended by the Child and family Agency Act 2013) and about some of the responsibilities we share under the Act. As you know, a good education gives your child the best possible start in life.  A good education helps young people to obtain secure employment and develop into mature and responsible citizens. The purpose of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 is to encourage regular school attendance and participation in education and training for as long as possible. It is desirable that every child stays in school and completes the Leaving Certificate.

Under the law, every child must attend school regularly up to sixteen years of age or complete at least three years education in a post primary school whichever comes later.

As a parent, you must let the school know if your child is absent and the reason why. It is school policy that reasons must be given in writing.  The school will notify Tusla – Child and Family Agency if a child is absent for 20 days or more or where the absence gives rise to concern.

If your child is sick or is absent for other good reasons, no action will be taken by Tusla – Child and Family Agency.  However, if there is concern about your child’s attendance at school or about the reasons given, you may be visited by an Educational Welfare Officer who will discuss your child’s education with you.  The Officer will work with you and take full account of the circumstances of the child and the family before deciding what further action is necessary to ensure that the child receives his/her entitlement to an education.

Further information concerning the new service and about school attendance matters generally can be obtained from the national Lo-Call Education Helpline – 1890 36 36 66.