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Pupils: Absenteeism

Volume 457: debated on Monday 5 March 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many incidences of unauthorised absence were recorded in each education and library board area in Northern Ireland in each of the last six years; and what advice was provided by his Department for schools on dealing with persistent cases. (125011)

Information on unauthorised absence has only been collated since 2003-04. The figures for 2005-06 have not yet been compiled, but should be available within the next few weeks.

Incidences1 of unauthorised absence by education and library board, 2003-04—2004-05

Academic year

2003-04

2004-05

Board

Incidences of unauthorised absence

Incidences of unauthorised absence as a percentage of all possible attendance sessions

Incidences of unauthorised absence

Incidences of unauthorised absence as a percentage of all possible attendance sessions

Belfast

290,492

2.8

266,158

2.3

Western

233,333

2.5

283,982

2.8

North Eastern

233,691

2.0

254,035

2.0

South Eastern

207,860

2.2

198,020

2.0

Southern

322,734

2.7

311,282

2.5

1 A pupil’s attendance status is recorded twice over the course of the day, by monitoring during the morning and afternoon session. Thus, a pupil who is absent for a full day is recorded as having two incidences of absence.

Responsibility to ensure regular attendance at school rests primarily with parents. When a school has concerns about a pupil’s attendance, a referral can be made to the Education Welfare Service (EWS). This service provides advice for schools in dealing with persistent non-attenders.