Eglish National School Attendance Policy

Introduction:

Changing social habits and patterns necessitated the updating of the schools attendance policy.The redrafting was a collaborative school process involving staff and Board of Management, following initial drafting by a representative group.

Rationale:

There is a very strong tradition of good attendance in Eglish National School.However, the changing social fabric of the nation is altering attitudes to school and we are anxious that parents be aware of the absolute necessity for regular punctual attendance at school quite simply, children cannot learn if they are not in school the following strategies have been put in place to help foster an appreciation of learning and good attendance:

• Rewards in accordance with the Code of Behaviour.
• The class teacher at the end of the school year issues certificates of good attendance.
• As stated it the Code of Behaviour, parents are expected to write a note/letter notifying the teacher of the reason for a child’s absence within three days of the child’s return.
• The teacher notes the reason for the student’s absence, especially those that are at risk of developing school attendance problems.

These are categorised as follows:

Irregular Absentee: 2/5 days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason.

Seriously Irregular Absentee: 6/10 days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason.

Chronic Absentee: 11+ days absent in a 20-day period without a valid reason.

Appropriate contact will take place between the school and parents/guardians of these children:

• For irregular absenteeism, the Principal will inform the parents by letter of his/her concerns about the child and seek to meet the parents to discuss the matter.
• For seriously irregular absenteeism, the Principal will write to the parents inviting them to a meeting to discuss the problem.
• For chronic absenteeism the Principal will inform the Education Welfare Officer and notify the parents of this by letter.

The main factors contributing to the formulation of a revised policy are as follows:

• The changing fabric of society
• The roll of the NEWB
• Levels of disadvantage
• Legislative requirements such as the Education Welfare Act 2000
• Changing attitudes to education

Aims and Objectives:

The revised policy is geared towards;

• Encouraging full attendance where possible
• Identifying pupils at risk
• Promoting a positive learning environment
• Enabling learning opportunities to be availed of
• Raising awareness of the importance of school attendance
• Fostering an appreciation of learning

Compliance with School Ethos:

This policy complements the school ethos of nurturing potential in a caring environment where the welfare of children is paramount.

Roles and Responsibilities:

All staff have an input into the implementation of the policy.Class teachers’ record individual pattern of attendance and the school secretary makes returns to NEWB.The Principal has responsibility for maintaining the Leabhair Tinreamh.

Policy Content

Recording:

Individual school attendance is recorded in the Leabhair Rolla of each class and the class data is recorded in the Leabhair Tinreamh.All children attending and data on parents are recorded in the school register.

A note from parents/guardians is required to cover each absence and these are dated and kept in a central location (school office).Parents are made aware of the requirements of the N.E.W. B particularly the bye law relating to absences of more than 20 days per school year.

School Strategies:

Traditionally, school attendance is strong in our school and has not been adversely affected by social changes.However, staffs remain vigilant so that risk students are identified early.Risk students can be categorised as those who miss more than 5 days in a 20 day period without an accompanying note of explanation from parents/guardians.Appropriate contact takes place between the school and parents/guardians either via a letter or a note in the homework diary when this occurs.A meeting between parents and the Principal may be set up if deemed necessary.Absences of more than 20 days are automatically referred to the Education Welfare Officer.

Communication with other Schools:

• When a child transfers from Eglish National School to another school, the schools records on attendance, academic progress etc will be forwarded on receipt of written notification of the transfer.
• When a child transfers into Eglish National School, confirmation of transfer will be communicated to the child’s previous school, and appropriate records sought.
• Pupils transferring from Eglish National School to a Post Primary school will have their records forwarded on receipt of confirmation of enrolment.

Communication with Parents:

The school circulated the NEWB information booklet “Don’t Let Your Child Miss Out” to all parents in February 2005.The school also informs all parents of the implications of non-attendance as per the Education Welfare Act 2000.This information is disseminated by regular school circulars.Parents of new children are informed on enrolment.

Promoting Attendance:

The school promotes good attendance by;

• Creating a safe and welcoming environment
• Ensuring children are happy
• Displaying kindness, compassion and understanding
• Being vigilant so that risks to good attendance such as disadvantage, bullying etc. are identified early
• Rewarding good attendance with certificates.

National Education Welfare Board:

The Education Welfare Officer is informed if;

• A child is expelled
• A child is suspended
• A child has missed more than 20 days

The NEWB is furnished with the total attendances in the school year through the Annual Report Form which is completed on-line.

Evaluation:

The success of any Attendance policy is measured through;

• Improved attendance levels
• Happy confident well adjusted children
• Positive parental feedback
• Teacher vigilance

Implementation/Ratification and Review:

This policy has been in operation in Eglish National School since February 2008. It will be reviewed and updated where deemed necessary and appropriate by the Board of Management.

References:

Don’t let your Child Miss Out - NEWB 2004

Education Welfare Act 2000

Section 29 Education Act

“Empty Desks”- C.D.U. Mary Immaculate