Holidays in school year ‘harm pupils’ education’
The warning comes as figures show the average primary pupil misses 11 days of the 183-day school year. The figure for second-level students is even higher, missing, on average, 13 of the 165 days of required attendance.
The National Education Welfare Board said that if a child missed school to go on a package holiday every year, they will have missed a full year’s education by the time they get to Leaving Certificate.
Dan O’Shea, Munster regional manager of the education and welfare board, said families were more prepared to take children out of school as the recession hit home.
“It’s a difficult choice to make,” said Mr O’Shea. “We recognise that holidays are cheaper during school term and that’s regrettable. But the law says that it’s up to parents to ensure a child attends every day school is open.
“The average package holiday is 10 school days. But if a child is at school for eight years in primary and six at second level, they would miss 10 days every year for eight years of primary and six years of second level. That’s 140 days, the equivalent of almost a full year in school if you’re taking a package holiday during term every year.”
The National Education Welfare Board is legally obliged to follow up and contact parents of any child who misses at least 20 days in any school year. About 31,400 primary and 24,700 second-level pupils miss school every day.
Mr O’Shea was speaking before the welfare board’s annual celebration of full attendance by children at Cork City schools. More than 70 young people were recognised for non-absences ranging from eight to 14 years, up slightly on recent years.
“They’re the fortunate group that have avoided any illness or family bereavement over many years at school and we realise there will be children absent for genuine reasons all the time,” said Mr O’Shea.
“But, with effort and dedication, children can attain full attendance.”
He said research had shown that children who attended and participated more regularly did better in later life, had greater job security, and were financially more secure.
Meanwhile, thousands of teachers marched on the Dáil yesterday against further education cuts.
Gerry Breslin, president of the second-level school union Asti, told about 2,000 supporters that education cuts affect children and young people’s lives today and in the future.
TUI president Gerry Craughwell warned that education cuts do not heal.
“Any further cuts to the education system will have a profound effect on our society, on our young people, and on our chances of economic recovery.”
* Read more: here and here
