Absent from school - Department of Education
Source: https://www.education.wa.edu.au/absent-from-school
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Absent from school - Department of Education
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Absent from school
Absent from school
There may be times during your child’s education when they are away from school.
If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, let the school know as soon as possible by telephone or by the school app if they have one. It’s ok to be away when ill, attending a cultural or religious event or if a natural event (for example a cyclone) occurs.
When they miss a day, talk with their teacher/s to find out how you can help them catch up. If they are away for some time, keep in touch with their teacher or principal so you can work together to support your child’s return to school. There are also resources available to help your child
learn from home
.
If your child does not want to attend school, there are
things you can do
to help your child go. Support is available from their teacher or principal, and from
external services
.
If your child is worried about school, you can find useful information and support on the
headspace
and
BeYou
websites. If their anxiety continues, talk with your family doctor.
If your child is missing school because they do not want to continue normal schooling, talk to your principal about their situation. If they are unlikely to return,
distance education
,
home schooling
or
alternatives to full-time schooling
may be suitable.
Western Australian law requires all school-aged children go to and attend school every day. It is compulsory until the end of the year in which they reach 17 years and 6 months or they turn 18 years.
You may also be interested in
You may also be interested in
Things you can do
As a parent/carer, you play an important role in helping your child attend every day and get the most out of school.
Support from your school
Your child’s teacher, principal and other school staff can help you support your child’s attendance.
Progressing through school
Your child will reach several milestones during their schooling and transition to different stages of school life.
External support services
You and your family can access other services when you require additional support.
true
Absent from school
Absent from school
There may be times during your child’s education when they are away from school.
If your child is unable to attend school for any reason, let the school know as soon as possible by telephone or by the school app if they have one. It’s ok to be away when ill, attending a cultural or religious event or if a natural event (for example a cyclone) occurs.
When they miss a day, talk with their teacher/s to find out how you can help them catch up. If they are away for some time, keep in touch with their teacher or principal so you can work together to support your child’s return to school. There are also resources available to help your child
learn from home
.
If your child does not want to attend school, there are
things you can do
to help your child go. Support is available from their teacher or principal, and from
external services
.
If your child is worried about school, you can find useful information and support on the
headspace
and
BeYou
websites. If their anxiety continues, talk with your family doctor.
If your child is missing school because they do not want to continue normal schooling, talk to your principal about their situation. If they are unlikely to return,
distance education
,
home schooling
or
alternatives to full-time schooling
may be suitable.
Western Australian law requires all school-aged children go to and attend school every day. It is compulsory until the end of the year in which they reach 17 years and 6 months or they turn 18 years.
You may also be interested in
You may also be interested in
Things you can do
As a parent/carer, you play an important role in helping your child attend every day and get the most out of school.
Support from your school
Your child’s teacher, principal and other school staff can help you support your child’s attendance.
Progressing through school
Your child will reach several milestones during their schooling and transition to different stages of school life.
External support services
You and your family can access other services when you require additional support.