New data published by Tusla Education Support Services (TESS) shows that one in five children in primary and post-primary school are missing a month or more of their school year. The 2023/24 report indicates that while non-attendance is decreasing it is still significantly greater than pre-pandemic levels.
TESS and the Department of Education and Youth launched a national multimedia campaign to highlight this nationwide issue and create awareness about the importance of attending school. The campaign reinforces the message that when a child can go to school they should go to school, helping to reduce absenteeism in schools in Ireland.
A new support page has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders and is available for parents and schools at www.gov.ie/schoolattendance with helpful guidance on many issues affecting school attendance.
Please watch this 30 second video. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mAQ3sffKy6U
