attendance strategy booklet
The Child and Family Agency (Tusla)
Most pupils go to school every day and enjoy it. Some children can experience difficulties in attending school for a variety of reasons. The National Education Welfare Board (NEWB) was established in 2002 to ensure children between the ages of 6 & 16 attend school on a regular basis or are otherwise in receipt of a minimum standard of Education. On the 1st of January 2014 the Child and Family Agency became an independent legal entity, comprising HSE Children & Family Services, Family Support Agency and the National Educational Welfare Board.
The Educational Welfare Services of the Child and Family Agency operate under the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, a progressive piece of legislation that emphasises the promotion of school attendance, participation and retention. The statutory and school support services of the Child and Family Agency’s Educational Welfare Services work together collaboratively and cohesively with schools and other relevant services to secure better educational outcomes for children and young people.
It also is responsible for the national register of children who are being “home educated” and the assessment of the education provided to these children to ensure it meets set minimum standards.
The Law: The Education Welfare Act 2000 allows the Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) to bring prosecutions against parents who are “failing or neglecting” to cause their children to attend a recognised school. Upon conviction parents may be fined up to €635 each or face up to one month imprisonment.
The Child and Family Agency (TUSLA) aims to reduce unnecessary absences from school by offering support and help to parents, pupils and schools. The key to achieving this is good communication between the school, home and TUSLA so that any problems can be resolved quickly.
School Principals are legally obliged to maintain a register of pupils attending his or her school. High levels of school absenteeism must be reported by the Principal to their Education Welfare Officer. Upon receipt of this referral the EWO begins a process of intervention aimed at finding a resolution to the issues preventing the child from attending school.
The EWO will work with a range of local and national services to assist the child, family and school. These include the HSE social work department, National Educational Psychological Service, National Council for Special Education, School Completion Programme, Home School & Community Liaison Teachers, Family Support Services, ETB’s, ISPCC, Child and Mental Health Services, Child Psychology etc.
TUSLA not only work with children who present with school attendance issues but also work with students whose behaviour in school has led to extended periods of suspension or permanent exclusion from school. We also assist families whose children have not been able to secure a place in a school for their children to attend.
Contact Details:
Education Welfare Service,
16 – 22 Green Street
Dublin 7
Tel: 01 873 8623
Fax: 01 873 8699
Email: ewsinfo@tusla.ie
Child and Family Agency,
Block D, Park Gate Business Centre,
Parkgate Street,
Dublin 8.
Ph: 01 6352854
E-mail: info@tusla.ie
