School attendance 'compulsory' from next week

Thousands of Island youngsters will be returning to classrooms next week for the new school year.

From next Wednesday (September 9) attendance for all pupils will be compulsory - when schools re-opened back in June attendance had been optional up until the summer holidays.

Government says with attendance rules returning to normal, parents must ensure their child attends the school at which they're registered when the autumn term begins - with schools again required to record attendance and follow up absence.

Schools will also have the option to issue sanctions, including fixed penalty notices to parents whose children fail to attend without good reason.

Education, Sport & Culture Minister, Dr Alex Allinson, says: "Attending school is vitally important for our children’s education and just as importantly, their mental wellbeing.

"Current evidence has shown that COVID-19 infections and outbreaks are uncommon across all educational settings and the re-opening of schools has been associated with very few local outbreaks.

"The Isle of Man Government will be working closely with head teachers to ensure all our schools remain safe for pupils and staff."