There is a very strong attendance at Knockanore 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.
Our school attendance will be monitored with regards to Child Protection, to comply with Circular 65/2011, Child Protection Procedures for Primary and Post-Primary Schools. We will pay particular attention to trends in non-attendance. We will also monitor non-attendance in correlation with signs of neglect/physical/emotional abuse.
The following strategies have been put in place to help foster an appreciation of learning and good attendance.
1.At the end of the school year certificates of Excellent Attendance will be issued to all pupils who were absent for five days or less. 2.As stated in the School Information Booklet cf. Absences, parents are expected to write in Homework Journal notifying the teacher of the reason for a child’s absence within three days of the child’s return. The secretary notes the reason for the absence. 3.Appropriate contact will take place between the school and parents/guardians of the children who are regularly absent, without a valid reason. Step 1. The parents will be informed by letter of concerns about the child after 15 absences. Step 2. The Principal will inform the Education Welfare Board after 20 days and notify parents of this by letter, which will be signed by the Principal and the Chairperson of the Board of Management. Please note that holidays are not a valid reason.
Adopted by the Board of Management on October 14th 2009.
Amended, to comply with Child Protection Policy, on October 17th 2012.
Fr. Patrick Condon Date: 17/10/12 Chairperson, Board of Management
Letter 1- where child has been absent for 15 days or more without explanation
Dear Parents,
I am writing to you regarding (child’s name) attendance at school.
(child’s name) has been absent for (number of days) (Child’s name)’s education is being affected. Please arrange an appointment to discuss the matter with (teacher).
Under the law, every child must attend school regularly up to sixteen years of age or complete at least three years post primary, whichever comes later. When your child is absent, you as parent must let the school know the reason for this absence every time. It is school policy that you do this in writing.
Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.
Yours sincerely,
Eleanor Ronayne, Principal.
Introductory letter from school to all parents concerning the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 Dear Parents,
I am writing to tell you a little about the Education (Welfare) Act 2000 and about some of the responsibilities we now share under the Act.
The importance of a good education 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.
National Education Welfare Board Under the Act, 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. The National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) was established to support school attendance an follow up on children who are not attending school regularly.
Our school policy 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 the National Education Welfare Board 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 the NEWB. 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 wil discuss your child’s education with you. The Officer will work with you and take full account on 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 (Telephone 1890 36 36 66) which is staffed by an Educational Welfare Officer.