Electronic Attendance Register

Electronic attendance registers or eAR is the approved Ministry method for recording attendance on your Student Management System. Please note, existing permissions to use Alternative Attendance Registers have now been rescinded.

Circular 2006/10 outlines the requirements for all schools using, or intending to use eAR. To apply to use eAR, you must complete the approval form available from the Ministry's Resourcing forms section. To find out whether your SMS has been approved by the Ministry to offer eAR check the data sharing approval summary table.

There are a range of resources on this page to help you successfully introduce eAR in your school. See the related downloads section below.

Guidelines on attendance and truancy provides:

• information about attendance legislation
• definitions
• policy considerations
• protocol considerations
• information on the limitations of the paper register (E19/1).

It provides information to schools, as well as listing considerations that will enable a school to develop its own policy and protocols.

eAR template policies and protocols provides a starting point for schools wanting to introduce or update attendance policies and protocols.

eAR frequently asked questions explains:

• the background and development of eAR
• why it was needed
• how to implement eAR
• the advantages of eAR.

eAR tips for best practice contains suggestions and advice from experienced practitioners, suitable for all schools. The tips are in categories and while some tips apply only to secondary schools others are suitable for all schools

Attendance Code Set 2008 provides a list of the new codes applicable since 2008 and an explanation of how each code may be applied.

Case studies are some stories from schools that have successfully implemented eAR. There are primary and secondary school case studies available.

For further information about eAR, please see our roadshows and seminars page for information about upcoming seminars in your area.