Attendance requirements

In NSW students must attend school regularly. This means all children between the ages of six and fifteen are legally required to attend school. Attendance is recorded daily and a 'roll call' is usually conducted before the first lesson of the day begins.

For the benefit of all children, parents or carers should ensure their child attends school regularly. Any absence from school should be explained within seven days of the absence. Similarly, schools are required to inform parents promptly of any unexplained absences or suspected truancy.

If you can only arrange your family holiday during school time, you should inform the school principal in advance and request leave.

You can ask the school to provide work that can be completed while your child is absent.

Where attendance at school is a problem, Department officers from the Home School Liaison Program work with schools, staff, families and students to improve a child's attendance record and general enjoyment of school.

To contact our Home School Liaison Officers, call your local area office and ask for the student welfare consultant.