Sir, – The recent school absentee rates released from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) this week are incredibly concerning. They revealed 43 per cent of primary schoolchildren in Deis schools have missed at least 20 days.
School is a hugely protective factor for so many children, in particular for many from economically disadvantaged areas. Increased absenteeism presents immediate risks as well as reducing future opportunities, and will lead only to further disadvantage and inequality.
From our own experience, we have also seen an increase in school refusals among older children we work with, as a result of increasing anxiety and issues socialising.
Additionally, we continue to support children struggling to attend and engage with school due to parental adversities within their homes, including but not limited to homelessness; poor mental health; parental separation and addiction.
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Without appropriate support, these adversities can lead to difficulties with routines, regulation problems and children confronting substantial trauma. All of which make school attendance that much more difficult.
It is clear that schools cannot be expected to tackle this societal issue alone, or solely with the help of Tusla Education Support Services. There must be increasing investment in community services working to resolve the trauma preventing children from coming to school alongside increased collaboration with all education stakeholders.
The Government can help make a difference to a generation of children by taking the right measures to improve engagement with schools. It’s vital it does so, because childhood lasts a lifetime.
Yours etc,
SUZANNE CONNOLLY
CEO, Barnardos
Dublin
