Danny Kinahan MLA has welcomed a new initiative by the Department of Education to encourage children to maintain a regular attendance at school.
Mr Kinahan, who is Vice-Chair of the Stormont Education Committee said:
“The importance of regular school attendance to a child’s development cannot be overestimated. Regular attendance is vital in ensuring that a child has all possible opportunity to further their education and compete in the jobs market.
“The new guide being issued to parents of children starting either primary or post-primary school “Attendance Matters – A Parent’s Guide” provides information on what the law says in regard to truancy and what parents can do to help their children to maintain a regular attendance.
“I would encourage parents to take an active interest in their children’s education. This can help them to notice if their children are not attending school, and also their positivity can rub off on their children’s attitude towards their education."