Raising school attendance
Most families are doing their best to support their child through challenges like school refusal or their occasional mistakes. However, some families do not take an active role in supporting their child's attendance at school. In these cases, parents and carers can face consequences.
Age your child must attend school
School is compulsory for all children from the age of 6 to 17 years.
Preschool and transition are recommended but are not compulsory.
Read more about the age your child attends school.
Importance of an education
Education is important because it gives children the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
It helps them learn how to:
- read
- write
- solve problems
- think critically.
School also teaches children how to:
- work with others
- make friends
- build confidence.
It helps children develop their skills and passion.
Children who go to school regularly are more likely to have better job opportunities, good health and more choices when they grow up. By making education a priority, you give your child the best chance for a bright future.
Reasons that children miss school
There are expected and unexpected reasons for missing school.
Common reasons
It is expected that some children will occasionally need time off for:
- illness
- injury
- medical appointments
- family or cultural reasons.
If you need to take your child out of school for an extended period of time, speak with your school first.
School refusal
School refusal can happen to any family, read more about school refusal.
Truancy
Truancy is different from school refusal.
Truancy is when your child intentionally chooses not to attend school, usually without your knowledge or permission. It is also called wagging or skipping school or class.
Read more about how truancy is managed in schools.
Notifying the school
Let the school know as soon as possible why your child is away.
You can phone, email or use your school’s communication app.
If you don't notify, the school will contact you to make sure your child is safe.
Attendance is a shared responsibility
Improving school attendance is a shared responsibility between parents and carers, schools, businesses and the wider community.
Parents and carers
Parents and carers play a key role by ensuring their child gets to school every day, addressing any issues that might prevent attendance and staying in contact with the school.
Schools
Schools support students by creating a welcoming environment, monitoring attendance and working with families to solve problems.
Businesses
Businesses contribute by following the law when employing school-age children, ensuring work does not interfere with their education.
Community
Communities can participate in campaigns like 'No school, No service' and programs that provide resources to families to help overcome challenges and keep education a priority for every child.
Penalties and fines
Parents and carers that do not take an active role in supporting their child's attendance at school can receive:
- compulsory case conferences
- compliance notice
- fines
- prosecution.
If you break the law you will be held accountable.