School attendance - what parents and carers need to know

Truancy

Have you taken the time to find out what your child did in school today?  

From time to time children skip school, often without the knowledge of their parents or carers. 

For a few it can turn into a habit that is not only dangerous,  but can have a negative impact on their future. Fortunately, with prompt action and care it can be prevented.

Children who miss school, even for a short period, run several risks: 

• if they hang around shopping centres or on streets, they risk the temptations of crime or becoming easy targets of crime 

• If they don’t attend school  regularly, they often leave school with fewer qualifications, reducing their employment prospects. 

• if they get into bad habits about reliability and timekeeping, they become less attractive to employers 

What the law says

The law states that children between the ages of 5 and 16 years must receive education. 

Children are of school age from the start of term after they turn 5 years old until the last Friday in June of the academic year when they are 16 years old.   

As a parent or carer, you are responsible for ensuring your children are in full time education, at school when they should be, and arriving  on time. 

If your children do not attend, you and they, risk having to go to court to explain your actions. 

Unless they have special permission, children are prohibited from working during school hours. Both you and their employer could be prosecuted and fined heavily if this happens. 

What can parents and carers do?

Talking to your child about school 

Every day, if possible. Not only will you be sure your child has been to school that day, you can also find out if he or she is having problems at school such as bullying or difficulties with the work, and you can help deal with those problems. You can celebrate and reward any success your child has. 

Keeping in contact with the school 

Do not wait for a problem. Make an appointment to speak with teachers, by phone or in person, if you have any concerns. Be part of the parent-teacher association. Support events. The more involved you are, the happier your child will be at school.   

Being involved in your child’s homework 

Ask what homework he or she has each night. Have a look at what is to be done and offer help if it is needed. Ask to see the work when finished and be positive about what your child has done. 

If in doubt, find out 

If you think your child might be missing school, talk to the staff. If you are not sure whether your child is allowed to miss school for any reason in particular, call and ask. Keep a note of term dates, holidays, teacher training days etc. 

Help and advice

If you are having difficulty getting your child to go to school, you should speak to school staff directly in the first instance. Further information is available from the schools admission team.