Education support service for parents and guardians of schoolchildren

Áine O’Keeffe

Director, Tusla Education Support Service

As the new school year starts, it’s a busy time for families and an exciting time for children who are continuing their education journey.

School is an important part of childhood; where children learn, make friends and have fun. A good education combined with loving care and encouragement will give your child a great start in life.

How parents can support school attendance

Here’s how parents and guardians can support their children to get the most from school:

• Show interest in your child’s school day. Ask about what they did and how their day went.
• Ask to see their schoolwork and praise their efforts.
• Set up regular routines for school attendance and remind children that going to school every day is important.
• Attend school meetings and parent-teacher meetings. Schools are there to support both you and your child.
• Make sure your child has a good bedtime routine, limits screen time and gets ready for school the night before.
• Stay connected with the school and check for updates using the school app, if the school has one.

Stay connected with the
school and check for updates.

Sometimes, there are reasons that make it difficult for children to attend school regularly. Schools are ready to help in these situations. If you have concerns, first talk to your child’s teacher or year head. The school will help you create a plan to improve attendance.

Schools also have a responsibility to monitor and promote attendance and sometimes might contact you if they have concerns about attendance. It is important to respond to any calls, texts or meeting requests from the school. Schools want the best for their students, and working together can lead to better outcomes for your child.

Tusla Education Support Service

Tusla Education Support Service (TESS) is the national service responsible for supporting attendance at school and has the following services:

• The Educational Welfare Service (EWS) helps children with serious attendance problems and gives advice to parents on attendance issues and finding a suitable school place.
• The School Completion Programme (SCP) supports children to connect with the school community and stay on to get the most out of their education.
• The Home School Community Liaison Scheme (HSCL) works with parents, teachers and the community to support children’s education and attendance.

Regular school attendance is something we can all achieve together. By acting quickly, and with the right support, children can enjoy learning in school and build lasting relationships.