On this page
Why regular school attendance is important#
Regular attendance at school is important in helping get young people closer to their goals. The Education Review Office (ERO) has more information.
Attendance - Getting back to school: A guide for parents and whānau – Education Review Office
Talk to your school about support#
We know there can be important reasons why children aren’t coming to school. This could include long-term illness, bullying, or financial challenges for families. If your child is affected by any of these, talk to your school first.
Your school will work with you to remove barriers to attending. There are many kinds of support available that might help make it easier for your child to come to school.
Your school might also connect you with other agencies or alternative education pathways.
Resources and information about attendance and support#
Besides talking to your child's school, there are other places and resources that may be able to help.
Support with bullying#
Bullying can be a barrier to regular attendance.
School experiences: Overcoming challenges – Auckland University [PDF, 3.6MB]
Bullying: help and support for your child
Learning support#
Not getting the right learning support can be a barrier to regular attendance.
Missing out: Why aren’t our children going to school? – Education Review Office [PDF, 4.3MB]
Information about stress#
It can be hard to go to school when you’re feeling tired or stressed.
School attendance: Enablers and barriers – Auckland University [PDF, 4.8MB]
Left behind: How do we get our chronically absent students back to school? – Education Review Office
Other pathways to learning#
For some rangatahi | young people there are other pathways available to pursue their goals.
Attendance service#
There are attendance service providers in all parts of the country. They work with schools and whānau | families to help get students back to school.
Schools may refer students to an attendance service provider if they think it may help. Attendance service staff might visit you at home to help get your child back to school.
