IPPN

Published: 11 December 2008

Source : RTÉ

New data on school attendance levels from the National Education Welfare Board finds the problem is most severe in schools in disadvantaged areas.

In these areas, a significant number of schools report that one in five children are frequently absent.

Overall 10% of primary school children are missing more than 20 days at school each year.

The figure rises to 17% of students at second level.