When children miss school, they miss learning, friendships, routines and opportunity. Over time, those missed days add up. National evidence is clear that regular attendance is directly linked to achievement, wellbeing and long term outcomes .

Attendance Pathways exists to support tamariki, whānau and schools to turn attendance around early and sustainably.

Our Kaupapa

We believe attendance is not just about compliance. It is about connection.

Behind every pattern of absence is a story. Sometimes it is anxiety. Sometimes it is bullying. Sometimes it is housing, health or transport. Sometimes it is simply that school does not yet feel like a place where a child belongs.

Research shows that the biggest drivers of attendance are parent attitudes, student attitudes and how young people experience school . That is where we focus our work.

We work alongside schools and whānau to:

• identify patterns early• understand the real barriers• strengthen expectations around regular attendance• reconnect students to learning• build confidence and daily habits• remove practical obstacles

How We Work

Attendance Pathways provides a local, relationship based response across Hastings and Havelock North.

Our team works directly with tamariki and whānau in homes, in schools and in the community. We partner closely with school leaders, RTLB, Ministry staff and community agencies to ensure responses are coordinated and practical.

We use clear attendance categories and data to target support early, before irregular absence becomes chronic . But our work is never just about numbers. It is about restoring trust and building momentum one child at a time.

Our Aim

We want every child to:

• attend regularly
  
• feel connected
  
• see school as important for their future
  
• experience success

Attendance is everyone’s responsibility. Schools cannot do it alone. Whānau cannot do it alone. Communities cannot do it alone.

When we align expectations, strengthen relationships and act early, attendance improves.

And when attendance improves, everything else becomes possible.