Wellingborough News, February 16th 1878, transcribed by Kay Collins

SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

A circular from the Education Department relating to the children's Attendance Book and the certificates, were read.

The Attendance Officer reported that Robert Twelvetree was now attending as a whole-timer, at the Rushden National School. He also reported that he had visited Mrs. Wagstaff’s school, and that she was quite willing to give every information as to absentees, &c. In reference to the accommodation of her school she informed him that Mr. Sartoris had promised to build her a larger room. She had 34 scholars, and she was very particular about their regular attendance.

The Chairman said he thought the officer should [inform] the parents that attendance at this school would not count for work

The Clerk thought the question for the Board was, is the education given at Mrs. Wagstaff’s school efficient?

The Chairman did not think there was any doubt that it was.

The Officer was instructed to ask Mrs. Wagstaff if she kept a register of attendance.

MRS. WAGSTAFF'S SCHOOL

The School Attendance Officer reported that he had visited Mrs. Wagstaff's school, to see her register, and found that she did not keep one. She, however, gave marks for good attendance, and prizes at the end of the year. The officer further reported that there were several children in the village who had not passed the standard, and their parents wanted them to be half-timers.

The Officer was instructed to see the parents, and tell them the children must go to school, or the parents must come and make a personal application for the Board to allow their children to be half-timers.

There was no other business before the Board of public interest.