Student attendance concerns have reached a new high in Ireland, with Tusla receiving over 8,000 referrals in the 2023-24 academic year, marking a 25% increase compared to pre-pandemic levels.
The dramatic rise in referrals to Tusla’s Education Support Service (TESS) signals a growing challenge in maintaining consistent school attendance following the disruptions caused by Covid-19. The figure, revealed in data provided to the Irish Examiner, represents thousands of students struggling to maintain regular attendance.
According to The Irish Examiner, this significant increase over pre-pandemic numbers suggests lasting impacts of Covid-19 on educational engagement, raising concerns about long-term effects on student learning and development.
The surge in referrals not only highlights the ongoing challenges in returning to normal attendance patterns but also places additional pressure on Tusla’s resources as they work to support these students and their families.
These findings prompt questions about the effectiveness of current attendance monitoring systems and what additional support measures might be needed to address this growing educational concern.