Have your say on Improving Pupil Attendance

The Department of Education is seeking views on its draft strategy ‘Miss School = Miss Out, a Strategy for Improving Pupil Attendance’.

Evidence shows that the majority of pupils attend school regularly however there are children and young people who struggle to attend school and who need extra support. 

Education Minister John O’ Dowd said: “My aim is to raise educational standards for all and reduce the attainment gap.  Ensuring that all of our children are engaged and involved in education is the best way for us to invest in their future success.  Attending school regularly can help pupils maximise their own life chances and the potential contribution they can make to society and our future economy.”

This strategy focuses on strengthening four key areas:

• improving attendance as a key element of school development planning;
• ensuring systemsare in place to identify issues and take action at the earliest possible opportunity;
• supporting children struggling with attendance, particularly those children within vulnerable groups; and
• engaging and collaborating across education and other relevant services to improve regular school attendance

Concluding, the Minister said: “My Department will continue to work in partnership with all stakeholders to ensure that the importance of improving school attendance and therefore the life chances for our children and young people is widely understood and promoted.” 

The consultation document is available to download from the Department’s website or by contacting the Department on 028 91279305. 

Notes to editors: 

1. The consultation will run from 24 March until 16 June 2016.
2. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
3. See photos from the Department of Education in our flickr collection.
4. Media enquiries to the Department of Education Press Office Tel: 028 9127 9207. Out of office hours, contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99 715 440, and your call will be returned.

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