Ulster Unionist politician Roy Beggs MLA has questioned the Education Minister on the pressing need for Education Welfare Officers to have access to the computerised C2K attendance records, in order to better monitor pupil attendance rates in real time and to allow them to work more proactively.
East Antrim MLA Roy Beggs said “Educational attendance is extremely important, and clearly links to a young person’s personal and academic development. Why has the Minister, after over 3 years in office, not fully recognised the importance of the Education and Welfare Service in assisting to improve attendance? Why as of yet have Education Welfare Officers not been given the appropriate tools to do their jobs, by providing them with access to the C2K systems at their offices.”
At present, Education Welfare Officers only have access to schools C2K information on attendance when they are in each school on a site visit.
“School attendance is linked to attainment. It is crucial that our young people attend school from a young age, and so early intervention, via the work of Education Welfare Officers, is vital. Research also indicates that working class Protestant communities are worst affected by low attendance, resulting in lower educational attainment and higher levels of young people Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEETs).”
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AQW 34278/11-15 | Mr Roy Beggs (UUP – East Antrim) |
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