Pupil Absenteeism

Abstract

Pupil absenteeism in Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom is examined in each country in terms of the legal basis for school attendance, the extent of pupil absenteeism, the way in which the problem is dealt with and research on the topic. The investigation involved the use of a postal questionnaire; structured interviews; meetings with official committees; visits to embassies, government offices, schools, a university and a school psychological service; the collection of published and unpublished reports, articles and other written material; and an examination of the published research literature. The findings challenge British perspectives on the subject and have implications for the role of the school psychologist.