Student factors are strongly linked to the individual’s wellbeing needs, their learning and living environments and connections with others. Students who are engaged in school are more likely to have better attendance and other improved student outcomes.
Factors influencing student attendance are complex, and can vary across school communities and locations.
Identifying and understanding the underlying and often interrelated factors assists schools to plan effective strategies to engage students and improve student attendance.
These factors are broadly categorised as:
Schools should consider any indicators or supporting evidence when investigating the underlying factors relevant to their local context.
The following questions may help you explore the origin and context of the underlying causes influencing attendance:
- What are the underlying problems?
- How does this problem present itself?
- What has been done before – what happened?
- Why should this problem be addressed?
- Who are the key stakeholders? How might you engage students, parents, teachers and the wider community?
(Staff only)
Student factors
- Are there unmet physical and mental health needs? (for example, nutrition, access to washing facilities, anxiety)
- Does the student feel safe?
- Do they feel connected to their peer group, class and school?
- Are lifestyle or risk behaviours impacting student health, safety and/or wellbeing? (for example, game addiction)
- Are there opportunities to strengthen students’ social competence and confidence, to support their engagement and participation?
- Are there processes to help staff understand student behaviour and wellbeing?
You might also consider if any of the following examples are relevant to your student cohort or school context.
- student health including physical and emotional wellbeing
- English as an additional language or dialect
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders
- refugee background
- disability or additional learning and support needs
- relationships with others, including peers and school staff
- student behaviour and suspensions
- Out of Home Care arrangements
- enrolment, starting school and transition points
- child protection concerns.
Family factors
Parent and family engagement including support for learning, actively monitoring attendance and participation, and valuing education can support and improve attendance.
- What past experiences might be influencing parent/carer feelings about or engagement with school? (for example, own schooling experiences; previous conflict,
- Are there opportunities for parents/carers to be meaningfully involved and participate with:
- their child’s learning?
- the school?
- How might the school encourage and engage parents, carers and family in positively influencing children’s attendance, learning and schooling?
You might consider if any of the following examples are relevant to your student cohort or school context.
- parental and family experience and involvement with the school
- location, access to transport including assisted school travel and travel training
- culture and diversity of the community
- enrolment, starting school and transition points
- technology and learning from home.
School factors
A positive school climate and culture where students feel safe, valued and respected and supported by strong, positive relationships, can foster connectedness, a sense of belonging and positively influence student attendance.
- Are there systems in place to identify the educational needs of students and plan personalised learning and support?
- Are there strategies that support effective feedback, with students and staff?
- Are professional learning programs and support available for staff to understand their role and responsibilities in relation to attendance?
You might consider if any of the following examples are relevant to your school context.
- relationships with others, including peers and school staff
- clear, consistent school procedures informed by the school attendance policy
- learning dispositions and learning modes
- school environment including:
Community factors
Understanding the diversity of our school communities, fostering partnerships and providing a welcoming and inclusive environment helps meet the educational and wellbeing needs of students and their families.
- Are there cultural or employment obligations that might influence student attendance?
- Are there other community activities or involvement contributing to attendance behaviours?
- What is the impact of the school's geographic location?
- How might access to (or lack of) community facilities such as transport support attendance?
You might consider if any of the following examples are relevant to your school context.
- culture and diversity of the community
- parental and family experience and involvement with the school
- location, access to transport including assisted school travel and travel training.
- English as an additional language or dialect
- refugee background
- Engaging with the Aboriginal community (staff only).