75571 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Education

75571 (2024). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Associate Minister of Education: Will the Ministry of Education lead prosecution against parents of children who are frequently absent from school after having had their regular bus route to school cancelled following the 2024 review?

Hon David Seymour: Prosecution will only be considered in circumstances where parents actively avoid, evade, and dismiss the help and supports provided to them to address barriers to school enrolment and attendance. The primary responsibility for transporting children to and from school rests with their caregivers. Eligible students affected by a route termination can apply for a conveyance allowance to assist with their transport costs, or in some cases, access an alternative route. Caregivers can apply online via the Ministry’s website. The Stepped Attendance Response (the STAR) intends for schools to find out the underlying reason for a child’s absence from school and, with the assistance of the Ministry of Education in serious cases, look for solutions in an effort to get the child attending school regularly. School Transport falls within the Minister of Education’s Portfolio.