Education (Welfare) Act, 2000

The purpose of the Education Act is to encourage regular school attendance.  Under the act, every child must attend school regularly.  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 - this can be done via the Aladdin Connect app. 

Attendance is taken via Aladdin at approximately 10am each day. If your child is absent at the time attendance is taken, they must be marked as absent, even if they arrive later in the day.  This is in line with the National Rules for Schools. 

The school must notify the National Educational Welfare Board (NEWB) if a child is absent for 20 days or more, or where the absence gives rise to concern.

If your child is sick or absent for other valid reasons, no action will be taken by the NEWB.  However, if there is a concern about your child’s attendance at school or about the reasons given, you may be visited by an Educational Welfare Officer.  The Officer will decide if further action is necessary. The school can make a discretionary referral to the Education Welfare Officer if they have concerns about your child's absence that have not been resolved directly with parents.