AISV - Compliance Framework, Student attendance

Requirements for roll marking and monitoring of attendance.

AISV Compliance Framework

Student attendance

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Do you need to comply?

Yes. Schools are required under the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) to maintain an attendance register.

Conditions of compliance

Children of compulsory school age (six years and up to the age of sixteen years) resident in Victoria are required to be in full-time attendance at a government or registered non-government school unless they are receiving approved home tuition or correspondence education through the Distance Education Centre. In exceptional circumstances, an exemption from school attendance may be granted.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

The attendance roll is a permanent record of the attendance of all students. Attendances and absences shall be recorded at least on a half-day basis.
The recording of class attendance for VCE students is required by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
A school must maintain a student attendance register in which —
1. the attendance at the school of any child of compulsory school age is noted at least twice per day; and
2. any reason given or apparent for the absence of the child from the school is noted.
The attendance roll may be in paper form or maintained on a computer system.
An up-to-date attendance record, whether paper or computer based, must be retained in the school and be available for inspection at all times when the school is open by any person authorised by the Minister for Education and Training.
The average student attendance rate is one of the key student outcomes that schools must publish as part of the School Performance Information reporting requirement stipulated by the Australian government.
Monitoring of absence and attendance

Schools must have in place procedures to regularly monitor student attendance/absentee patterns.
Communicating non-attendance

Schools should be satisfied that parents/guardians are aware of student absences. In the case of unexplained absences, principals should ensure that there is prompt communication with parents/guardians. This duty includes the principal's responsibility to keep parents/guardians informed of the absence of post-compulsory-aged students.
Exemption from attendance

The Community Services Act 1970 (Vic.) provides that a student who has not attained sixteen years of age may be exempt from school attendance by the Minister for Education. DEECD Regional Directors have been given the delegated responsibility to authorise such exemptions. Applications for exemptions should be made on the relevant forms available from DEECD regional offices.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) and penalties can apply.

You may also put yourself at risk in the event that an attendance roll is required as evidence in a court of law.

Who will help you?

AISV contact:

Sue Nilsen
Student Services Manager
Ph. 03 9825 7203
sue.nilsen@ais.vic.edu.au