Your child's attendance at school

Attendance at School – Your Responsibility

All parents want to give their child the best possible start in life.  Regular school attendance is an important part of this.

Your child’s school will tell you how to let them know about any absences.

All schools are required to record details of a pupil’s attendance and absence at school twice a day.

This data is then collected by the Department each year.

If you have difficulty getting your child to attend school please do speak to the school regarding this.  Alternatively you may speak to an Education Welfare Officer in the relevant Education and Library Board for advice.

If your child’s absence becomes very poor the school will be required to notify the Education Welfare Office about it.

Under Article 45 of the Education and Libraries (NI) Order 1986 ‘the parent of every child of compulsory school age shall cause him to receive full time education suitable to his age, ability, aptitude and to any special educational needs he may have, either by regular attendance at school or otherwise’.

Further details on attendance and the school’s responsibilities can be found at School Attendance and Holidays