School attendance support in Hamilton and Christchurch

Helping tamariki stay engaged in learning is central to their wellbeing, confidence, and future opportunities. Through our school attendance mahi, Barnardos works with tamariki, whānau, schools, and communities to remove the barriers that stop young people from attending schools regularly. We help them reconnect with learning in a way that feels safe, supported, and achievable.

Why attendance matters

Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of positive life outcomes. The Ministry of Education’s strengthened attendance services model provides support for students who are chronically absent or not enrolled, with providers working across 84 catchments nationwide.

Barnardos supports this mahi in Christchurch West and Hamilton East. This includes personalised case management, collaboration with whānau and schools, and targeted assistance to meet basic needs that might be preventing regular attendance.

How Barnardos supports attendance

Our mahi in this space builds on decades of experience supporting children and families through challenging circumstances. We work alongside tamariki and whānau to understand what’s happening in their lives, identify what’s getting in the way of school engagement, and put the right supports around them.

This may include:

Practical support – removing day-to-day barriers that make school attendance difficult today barriers that make school attendance difficult

Strengthening family wellbeing – helping whānau feel equipped and supported to prioritise attendance

Building trusted relationships – so children feel safe, valued, and ready to re-engage

Connecting families to wider Barnardos services – including early intervention, social support, and guidance

Culturally responsive practice – respecting and upholding the identities of Māori, Pacific, and diverse families

 Our approach

We take a holistic, child-centred approach grounded in partnership and care. By working closely with families, schools, and community partners, we help ensure tamariki have every opportunity to be present, participate, and thrive in their learning centred approach grounded in partnership and care. By working closely with families, schools, and community partners, we help ensure tamariki have every opportunity to be present, participate, and thrive in their learning.

Our commitment is simple:
Every child deserves the chance to shine – and regular school attendance helps make that possible.

Contact

Waikato office: 0800 720 120 or HMEAttendance@barnardos.org.nz

Christchurch office: 03 365 3923 or CWTAttendance@barnardos.org.nz

Attendance Services