Arklow C.B.S. Attendance Policy

Arklow C.B.S. is a voluntary secondary school under the trusteeship of ERST (Edmund Rice Schools Trust). It is aligned with the Department of Education (Ireland) guidelines, particularly the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, and reflects best practices for promoting regular attendance and fulfilling reporting obligations.

Mission Statement

As a school, we endeavour to provide an atmosphere which will forge positive relationships and connections, building confidence, resilience and independence in our students while challenging all our students to develop their talents and abilities to their highest potential.

We aim to nurture our students in a supportive and caring community to develop into well rounded individuals that are prepared for life.

Arklow C.B.S. is a Voluntary Catholic Secondary school under the Trusteeship of the Edmund Rice School Trust. We are guided by the Edmund Rice School Charter:

• Nurturing Faith, Christian Spirituality and Gospel-based Values
• Promoting Partnership in the School Community
• Excelling in Teaching and Learning
• Creating a Caring School Community
• Inspiring Transformational Leadership

1. Rationale

Regular school attendance is essential for the educational development and personal wellbeing of students. Arklow C.B.S. is committed to promoting a culture of attendance in partnership with students, parents/guardians, staff, and relevant support agencies. This policy is in accordance with the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the Child and Family Agency (Tusla) guidelines, and the policies of the Department of Education.

2. Scope

This policy applies to:

• All students enrolled in Arklow C.B.S.
• All teaching and administrative staff.
• Parents/guardians of enrolled students.

3. Policy Aims

• To foster an environment where students value regular attendance and punctuality.
• To clearly outline the roles and responsibilities regarding school attendance.
• To comply with legislative requirements, including the reporting obligations to Tusla's Educational Welfare Services (EWS).
• To implement early intervention strategies in response to absenteeism.

4. Legal Framework

This policy is guided by:

• Education (Welfare) Act 2000
• Education Act 1998
• Children First Act 2015
• Guidelines from the Department of Education and Tusla

5. Promoting Good Attendance

Arklow C.B.S. will:

• Create a positive school climate where students feel welcome, safe, and supported.
• Recognise and celebrate good attendance.
• Provide engaging and relevant learning experiences.
• Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding the importance of school attendance.
• Intervene early when patterns of poor attendance emerge.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Board of Management

• Ensure the policy is developed, implemented, and reviewed.
• Support the Principal in promoting a culture of attendance.

Principal and Deputy Principal

• Oversee the implementation of the attendance policy.
• Report to the Board, staff, and Tusla on attendance matters.
• Nominate a staff member to coordinate attendance monitoring (e.g., Year Head, Deputy Principal).

Teachers/ Tutors/Year Heads

• Record attendance accurately using the school’s attendance system, Tyro.
• Monitor patterns of absenteeism and communicate concerns to relevant staff.
• Promote the importance of regular attendance in class.

Parents/Guardians

• Ensure their child attends school punctually and regularly.
• Inform the school of absences and provide written explanations.
• Engage with school supports if attendance issues arise.

Students

• Attend school regularly and on time.
• Take personal responsibility for their attendance where age-appropriate.
• Follow the school procedures when absent - providing explanatory notes, catching up on work and/or keeping up with work via Microsoft Teams and One Note.

7. Recording and Monitoring Attendance

• Attendance is recorded daily through the school’s electronic system, Tyro.
• Attendance is monitored weekly by the relevant staff, Year Heads, Deputy Principal or school secretary.
• Unexplained absences are followed up with parents/guardians via text, email, or phone call.

8. Reporting to Tusla

In accordance with Section 21 of the Education (Welfare) Act 2000, the school must inform the Educational Welfare Services of Tusla when:

• A student has missed 20 or more days in a school year.
• A student is suspended for six days or more cumulatively.
• There are concerns about a student’s continued absence or risk of early school leaving.

9. Addressing Absenteeism

Arklow C.B.S. will:

• Contact parents/guardians when absences are unexplained or become a concern.
• Meet with parents/guardians and students to discuss patterns of absenteeism.
• Refer to external support services e.g., EWS, NEPS, where appropriate.
• Develop Student Support Plans or Attendance Contracts where necessary.

10. Legitimate Absences

Acceptable reasons for absence include:

• Illness (with or without medical certificate)
• Family bereavement
• Medical appointments
• Urgent family circumstances
• Other reasons deemed appropriate by school management

Note: Parents/guardians are required to provide a written explanation via the school app for each absence.

11. Punctuality

• School begins promptly at 8.43. Students are expected to be in their designated tutor classroom prior to this time.
• Students are expected to have been to their locker prior to this time.
• Late arrivals must sign in at the school office and provide a reason.
• Repeated lateness will be followed up by the Year Head and may result in sanctions or supports, depending on the circumstances.

12. Communication with Parents/Guardians

• Regular updates on attendance will be provided via school reports, parent-teacher meetings, and the school app.
• Parents/guardians will be notified if a student reaches critical absence levels (e.g., 10, 15, or 20 days).

13. Attendance and School Events

• Attendance at extracurricular activities, school tours, and events is considered a privilege.
• Poor attendance may affect eligibility for participation in some activities, at the discretion of school management.

14. Review and Evaluation

This policy will be reviewed every two years or sooner if required. It will be evaluated based on:

• Trends in whole-school attendance data
• Feedback from staff, students, and parents
• Legislative or policy changes

15. Ratification

This Attendance Policy was ratified by the Board of Management on: 13 November 2025

Signed:

Chairperson of the Board of Management:

Signed:

Principal

Tulsa Sample Letter re: Attendance