Physical illness, mental health challenges and periods of hospitalisation can disrupt a young person's attendance, engagement and connection with school. For some students, returning to school routines can be particularly difficult, with concerns about so-called school refusal or school avoidance becoming increasingly prominent. Supporting students to maintain or rebuild their connection with education, peers and school life is therefore an important part of promoting their wellbeing and development.

This workshop will introduce different types of school attendance problems and use a bioecological framework to explore the interacting influences that shape attendance. Particular attention will be given to how health and mental health challenges can affect a young person's psychological capacity to attend school, including changes in confidence, belonging and identity that can emerge during periods of illness and absence.

Using this framework, participants will consider how student, family, school, healthcare and broader contextual factors can either create barriers to, or strengthen, school attendance. The workshop will conclude with practical principles and strategies for supporting students, families, schools and health professionals to work collaboratively towards sustainable re-engagement with school and learning.