Refreshed health guidance released aims to support parents and schools in assessing whether children should attend school, addressing attendance concerns, says Associate Education Minister David Seymour.

In recent years, short-term illness or medical reasons have been the main reasons for justified absences.

Absences due to these reasons remained higher post-COVID-19, with 8.6% in Term 2 of 2022 and 6.9% in Term 2 of 2023, compared to 4-5.3% in 2015-2019.

“School attendance is a shared responsibility, and COVID-19 shifted attendance culture. It's time to find balance,” says Mr Seymour.

"Health's important, but sometimes a choice must be made between health and education. We aim to restore balance.”

“Parents should make informed decisions. For instance, mild hay fever doesn’t mean it’s unsafe for a child to attend school.”

The refreshed guidance provides information on minor symptoms allowing school attendance and significant symptoms to watch out for.

It also offers resources to help students cope with mild anxiety affecting school attendance.

“Today's education crisis will have long-term consequences. We need a culture where children prioritize school,” Mr Seymour concludes.