Illustrative image. (source: TASR)
The Education Ministry has issued guidelines for schools regarding excusing the absence of children due to illness.
Intended for kindergartens, primary and secondary schools, the goal is to unify and clarify the procedure for justifying the absence and improve compulsory school attendance.
A school excuses the absence of a pupil based on a request from their legal guardian. If the absence due to illness lasts a maximum of five consecutive school days in case of primary and secondary schools and seven consecutive school days in case of kindergartens with compulsory pre-primary education, it is not necessary to submit a doctor's certificate.
However, if a child is absent for longer or is absent for a total of more than 10 days in a month, a doctor's certificate is required. In some cases, a school may require the certificate even in the case of a short absence. This mainly concerns repeated absence or when a school has a suspicion that a child's absence is on purpose.
According to the ministry, a legal guardian or adult student must immediately inform the school about the reason for the absence and submit necessary documents. They must also inform the school of any health problems that may affect attendance.
In addition, teachers must register attendance and communicate with legal guardians. All absence notes should be kept until the end of a school year.
School principals are to ensure that school rules contain clear guidelines as to how an absence is excused. If compulsory attendance is not fulfilled, relevant authorities are to be notified.
The guidelines are available here.
