One in 10 children miss class for 20 days [Herald.ie]
- Published: 12 October 2011
THOUSANDS of primary pupils are missing at least 20 days of school each year, the Herald can reveal.
The latest figures from the Department of Education show that almost 12pc of primary students are registering more than 20 absences -- a significant increase on previous years.
While 49,482 students missed more than 20 days in the 2006/2007 academic year, this figure has jumped to 55,259 students in 2008/2009.
And one of Ireland's largest teachers' unions has today warned that the figures show the education system is "taking its eye off the real issues".
All primary schools are obliged to report absences to the Department of Education in "specific circumstances" -- such as when pupils miss at least 20 days or where they are suspended for at least six school days.
Full Story: www.herald.ie
