The School Education Act 1999 requires all enrolled student to attend school or participate in an educational program of the school. Principals are required to record and monitor student attendance and develop appropriate strategies to restore attendance for students with persistent absence.

The Department of Education manages a breach of Standards claims in accordance with the Public Sector Management (Breaches of Public Sector Standards) Regulations 2005 and in compliance with the requirements of the Commissioner's Instructions: Employment Standard and Filling a Public Sector Vacancy.

These procedures aim to maximise the flexibility available to school communities in the configuration of the school day within the constraints of legislation and industrial agreements. The Director General determines the days in each year on which government schools are to be open for educational instruction of students.