The word truancy is not officially used by the Ministry of Education, but non-attendance at school and non-enrolment is high. The truancy issue is complex and there are many factors causing it.

Attending school on a regular basis is hugely important in achieving educational success. Every day counts towards a child’s learning and pays huge dividends for their future. Regular attendance is needed for children to continue learning and improving their basic reading, writing and other skills.

New Zealand children used to lead the world in reading but now the literacy rates have fallen, and we have a literacy crisis.

Attending school is compulsory by law

In New Zealand, children between the ages of 6 and 16 are legally expected to be enrolled at and regularly attend school. All children, except foreign students, are entitled to attend school free from their 5th birthday. If a child is absent on any given day, parents should let the school know. This is especially important where a school operates a system for checking that their students arrive at school safely. Many schools may have an automated process for reporting absences.

It is acceptable for parents to ask for a child to have time off from school for special reasons such as medical appointments. If a child is absent for a period, be it a day or more, then in the interest of student safety, the school should make contact with the guardian to discuss the child’s whereabouts. Although this is not a legal requirement, it is good practice. The school becomes the guardian of a child during the school day so it is important they know where their students are at any given time.

How can we Help?

Encouraging regular attendance at church and Sunday school can help a child appreciate the importance of attending school five days of every week.

It is important for parents and guardians to support and encourage regular attendance. Children learn by example. If their parents and caregivers show a relaxed attitude to their going to school, then the child will too.

Routines and rituals can be put in place to help. These include:

Being organised for the next day

Make sure bags are packed, uniforms are laid out and homework is completed the afternoon/night before school. Rushing in the morning puts everyone on edge and causes problems.

Get plenty of sleep on school nights

It is important to set school-night bedtimes and stick to them. A tired child is no fun for anyone, and chances are they will not want to get up and go to school in the morning.

A hearty breakfast

A hungry brain does not function well enough to learn and take everything in on a regular school day.

Be happy and punctual

Keep a smile on your face, stay upbeat and be happy for the child’s sake. Help your child get up in the morning, get them ready, out the door and into the classroom on time. Punctuality is important to learn, for school and the child’s future.

Seeking help

If a child becomes truant on a regular basis and the parent/guardian is doing everything in their power to stop this, there are places to seek support. The school is the first port of call as teachers and support staff may be able to assist.

Attendance services work with schools and support them with students who are consistent truants. Personnel are charged with finding the student, understanding why they are not at school and informing the school of that reason. The process for working with that child to get them back to school then includes Attendance Services, the school, the parents, and other social services deemed necessary.

There must be change

The education system needs to address mental health to ensure young people are getting the help they need to attend class. There needs to be a holistic approach to addressing the issue of declining school attendance, and teacher attitudes and practices need to be improved to create a welcoming learning environment for the students to want to attend school regularly.