Advice to Government: Department of Education consultation on the draft Attendance Matters Strategy

NICCY welcomes that the Department of Education (DE) are consulting on a draft Attendance Strategy, and the opportunity to respond to this.  We are very concerned that an increasing number of children are missing their education and are not fully enjoying their fundamental right to education.

NICCY is currently undertaking research on children and young people’s experiences of missed education, which involves engagement with young people, parents and carers, and schools. Our research examines the key reasons and pathways that lead to children and young people missing their education; how children and their families are impacted by missed education; and the support available to children and young people, taking account of the diverse needs of those affected. The final research report, which will make recommendations to relevant authorities, aimed at ensuring all children can enjoy fully their right to education, will be launched in December 2026. We welcome that the Department is seeking to understand the causes of low attendance and are happy to engage further with the Department, as the research progresses, to discuss our findings and recommendations.

While at this stage we are not able to provide advice on the full detail of the draft Strategy, due to resource pressures, we draw your attention to children’s key points outlined below, for your consideration.

The full response can be downloaded on the right-hand side of this page.