Each day, schools are required to monitor the attendance of every student enrolled at the school and to identify and record any absences in a register of daily attendance (manual or electronic).
For each absence (full or part day) from the school, the attendance register must indicate the reason for the absence using attendance codes approved by the NSW Minister for Education and Early Learning.
The school is also required to maintain records of documentation to substantiate the reason for the absence.
Schools are required to follow up unexplained absences with parents/carers, notify them regarding poor attendance and maintain records of unsatisfactory attendance in student files.
Principals have the discretion to decline a reason for absence if they are not satisfied with the reason provided or do not think the absence is in the best interest of the student. Principals can request parents/carers provide documentation or further documentation to substantiate a reason for absence.
