Ni4kids can confirm that from September 2025 the Department of Education will be introducing a new absence code for pupils struggling with emotional-based school avoidance writes Laura Barr.
It is hoped the new code will provide actual figures as to the amount of children and young people dealing with school-based anxiety.
In response to questions submitted to the Department by Ni4kids, a spokesperson said: “Increasing pupil attendance at school is an on-going challenge and one that is not unique to Northern Ireland.
“We recognise that attitudes towards regular school attendance have changed since Covid19 pandemic and that some children and young people face challenges that make regular attendance at school difficult.
“Northern Ireland has seen a 15.9% point increase in regular attendance since June 22 to April 25 which forms a good basis on which to make further progress.”
In terms of support available to pupils struggling with emotional-based school avoidance, the spokesperson added: “A range of support is available to children and young children and their parents. The Department is continuing to provide support for schools and families through funding such as £75million for Targeting Social Need, £7.7million for Extended Schools, £4.1million for the Emotional Health and Wellbeing in Education Framework and an array of other support programmes.”
“The Department will also be introducing a new absence code for Emotional Based School Non-Attendance from September 2025.”
The Department published Attendance Matters – A Practical Guide and good practice resources in the last academic year to help schools improve regular attendance.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “The Education Authority is committed to ensuring every child has the opportunity to access quality education in a supportive environment.
“EA’s Education Welfare Service (EWS) provides specialised advice to schools and families, alongside a range of other services, including Educational Psychology, counselling, and SEN support services, to address any issues impacting on regular school attendance.
“All referrals for EWS support are assessed by senior Education Welfare Officers to ensure appropriate and tailored support can be provided to meet the identified needs, and that those pupils most in need of intervention are prioritised.
They added: “Schools provide extensive pastoral care and work closely with families to appropriately support pupils. They are responsible for providing continued support to pupils registered with them and discussions on individual needs should be addressed with the school.”
