ATTENDANCE ISSUES
The Education Welfare Service works in partnership with parents and school staff to enable young people to be given the best possible opportunities to fulfil their educational potential, taking account of their age, ability, aptitude and any special educational needs. Regular school attendance is a prerequisite of effective education. Children who are frequently absent from school are unlikely to achieve their full educational potential.
If your child is a poor attender or refuses to attend school:
- Discuss with your child possible reasons for non-attendance
- Contact the school to inform them of the difficulties
- Contact your local Education Welfare Officer who can:
- investigate areas of concern identified by your child, you and the school
- counsel and support your child's return to school
- refer to other related professionals, if appropriate.
The Education Welfare Service plays an important role in the supervision of the employment of children. The current legislation, which regulates child employment, is designed to protect young people from exploitation or involvement in dangerous occupations.
Part-time jobs can only be taken by children of 13 years and older. Not all jobs are considered suitable. There is a restriction on the number of hours a young person can work and such hours must not infringe on the school day.
No young person may take up full-time employment when they are still legally required to attend school. The current legislation states that pupils in Northern Ireland schools:
- who become 16 in the period 1 September in any year to 1 July (inclusive) in the following year can leave school on 30 June that year;
- who become 16 in the period 2 July to 31 August (inclusive) in any year, can not leave school until 30 June of the following year.
The Education and Library Boards have a responsibility for licensing children involved in entertainment. The Education Welfare Service is involved in checking the conditions associated with the applications, including the provision of education and accommodation.
EDUCATION WELFARE PUBLICATIONS
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What do I do When...?  |
Education Welfare Service  |
A booklet for parents offering advice and support. It also gives information about the Education Welfare Service and includes all the relevant contact numbers. (This booklet is also available on audio tape for those with visual impairments.) |
This document has been circulated to all schools in the Board Area and provides an overview of the Education Welfare Service. Contained within it is the Service Level Agreement, which offers a wide range of services, designated to fulfil statutory responsibilities. |
CONTACTING YOUR EDUCATION WELFARE OFFICER
Click on the area of the map where you live.
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