Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 25 March 2021
101. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education if schools have been advised to operate on the basis of compassion and common sense in the notification of absences to Tusla due to absences from school caused by Covid-19 or other illness requiring multiple tests for Covid-19 in order to rule it out and keep the community safe; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16121/21]
View answer102. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Education the guidance or standards that have been issued to schools on the way they are to notify parents that their children's school absences have been notified to Tusla, particularly in the context of Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16122/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 101 and 102 together.
My Department has provided guidance to schools in relation to the recording and reporting of COVID-10 related absences. COVID-19 related absences arising from pupils/students who have been requested to self-isolate by a medical professional or for pupils/students who feel unwell with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 must be recorded in accordance with the school’s normal procedures for the notification and recording of absences. However these COVID-19 related absences should be noted by the school as explained absences.
In relation to explained absences and in line with the procedures for referrals from schools to the Educational Welfare Service, schools are advised to use their discretion in determining whether a pupil/student’s attendance warrants a referral. A pupil/student’s absence may be satisfactorily explained by certified illness, bereavement or other valid reasons such as those related to COVID-19.
In the event of a referral to Tusla Education Support Services (TESS), TESS will take into account the requirement for pupils/students who feel unwell with symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or who have been informed to self-isolate and not to attend school. Tess staff have engage with families to provide to provide advice and assistance for pupils/students as they return to school recognising the challenging context for many children and young people.
