RDNZ discusses new attendance rules with officials

Rare Disorders NZ met with officials from David Seymour’s office in the Education portfolio regarding the Stepped Attendance Response (STAR) being implemented in the school system.

Rare Disorders NZ wrote to Associate Education Minister David Seymour in October to seek clarity on the recently announced 'Stepped Attendance Response' (STAR) system and how it will apply to children with rare disorders.

Many children in the rare disorder community already face significant barriers to learning and social participation, and we were concerned that a rigid application of the STAR system could place additional stress on families already managing complex health needs and the associated administrative load.

We were pleased to receive clarity from Hon David Seymour in response to our letter and an invitation to meet with officials to discuss further.

During the meeting it was emphasised that the Minister has clarified in the House and in response to us that the Ministry will not prosecute parents of students who are absent because of chronic illness or health conditions associated with a disability, or who are genuinely engaging with a school and the supports offered.

Rare Disorders NZ emphasised the importance of building an exemption pathway for students with chronic health conditions and/or disabilities like rare disorders into the policy and that discretion for schools is not enough.

We also noted that this pathway needs to have minimal barriers, be cognisant of the huge administrative load families already face and provide a long-term solution. We suggested one way this could work is to have a medical certificate-based exemption system that includes a review period (including the option of ‘never’ for life-long conditions).

We will keep you updated as our work in this area progresses.