School absence.

If a child is not at school at times when this is required, we call this school absence. This can be being late, skipping, or illness. If your child cannot go to school, you must report this as a parent. How do you report your child's school absence? What happens if your child goes to school without permission?

What is not allowed absence?

If your child is not at school and there is no valid reason, we call this not allowed absence that breaks the law. The best-known example is skipping school. Also, luxury absence falls under not allowed absence. 

Consequences of skipping and not allowed absence

If your child is not allowed to be absent, that is outside school vacations and holidays, the school will contact you. Together you will look at the options to make sure your child does not skip school anymore.  

The school follows its own rules. In many schools, your child must come to school early as punishment for skipping, for example. 

Consequences of frequent not allowed school absence

If your child is often absent, the school will contact the attendance officer. This happens if your child is absent 16 hours or more in a period of four consecutive school weeks. The attendance officer talks with you and your child to stop or reduce the absence. The attendance officer can also help you and your family.  

If the absence continues, the attendance officer can take stronger steps. As a parent, you can get a fine and in some cases even face legal prosecution.  

Children from 12 years old are also held responsible for absence. Your child risks a Halt program, a fine, or community service.  

Absence due to (non) tailored education or unsafe situations

Absence can also happen because of problems at school. For example, about the (not) providing Tailored Education or an unsafe situation.  

The absence happens because these children feel unsafe or sick at school. Some children even stay home completely because of this. 

Sometimes schools see this absence as not allowed and attendance officers enforce the rules, while parents are not to blame for the school absence. Do you deal with this? Then contact our advice point.