Education Committee Accepts Referral on Informing Parents About Student Absences

The Parliamentary Education Committee has accepted the President's referral regarding legislation on informing parents about their children's absences from schools and nurseries. The issue is expected to be regulated by a circular.

The referral was accepted during an extraordinary meeting of the committee, in the presence of the Minister of Labor, Yannis Panayiotou, and the General Director of the Ministry of Education, George Panteli. A common understanding was found between the legislative and executive authorities to ensure the safety of children.

For nurseries, the issue is regulated by a decree issued last Friday, while the Deputy Ministry of Social Welfare will prepare relevant circulars. For Pre-primary and Primary Education, respective issues will be regulated by a circular from the Ministry of Education.

George Panteli stated that the Ministry is considering providing school principals with telephones for the direct notification of parents. In addition, from the new school year, the issue will be integrated into the eΔΕΑ electronic system for automated notification.

Minister Yannis Panayiotou explained that the referral was due to issues identified by the Legal Service regarding the separation of powers.

The discussion on the legislation began following a proposal by MP Marios Mavrides to prevent the 'forgotten child syndrome.'