A NEW Education and Children’s Services Bill has been introduced to parliament this week to include measures to increase the government’s powers to deal with chronic absenteeism in schools.
“Students who are chronically absent from school have lower educational outcomes and are more likely to be vulnerable or at risk,” Education Minister John Gardner said.
“By ensuring our children are in school, we will see stronger school communities and better educated children – that’s why tackling truancy is such a high priority for the Marshall Liberal Government.
“While the overwhelming majority of South Australian parents do the right thing by their children, unfortunately not all parents place sufficient importance on getting their children to school and ensuring they get their best start in life.
“Parents must take responsibility for their children’s education and we owe it to our children and young people to take decisive action.”
The proposed new laws include provisions for formal family conferences to be held with principals and relevant officers, allowing students and their families to work with schools to address whatever issues need to be dealt with to ensure attendance.
In circumstances where a family is unwilling to engage with the family conference approach, a legal response may be necessary.
The reforms increase the maximum fine for parents who allow their children to be chronically absent to $5000, ensuring legal responses are taken seriously.
