School attendance rules
Parents must ensure their child attends school regularly. They also bear responsibility for their child's education and for monitoring academic progress in cooperation with the child and teachers.
The Reykjavík City Department of Education and Youth has established procedures for when a child's primary school attendance falls short.
These procedures cover missed time from late arrivals, absences, illness, and approved leave. The procedure is based on the Act on the Prosperity of Children and on tiered support. It calls for active cooperation between home and school to meet a child's needs.
School attendance guidelines
School attendance is categorized as follows:
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Satisfactory: Nine or fewer days of absence.
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Warning sign: 10 to 17 days of absence.
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Chronic absence: 18 or more days of absence.
Illness and approved leave are counted in whole days. However, these thresholds apply only when absences lack a reasonable, appropriate explanation. Calculations are based on a 180-day school year.
School attendance guidelines
Threshold 1
10 absence points, 10 class periods of illness or approved leave, or 5 days of illness or approved leave.
The homeroom teacher speaks with the child and contacts the family.
Threshold 2
30 to 50 absence points, 20 class periods of illness or approved leave, or 10 days of illness or approved leave.
The homeroom teacher consults another school specialist or the prosperity liaison. A meeting is scheduled with the parents. Staff provide guidance and draft an attendance improvement plan.
Threshold 3
60 to 70 absence points, 30 class periods of illness or approved leave, or 15 days of illness or approved leave.
A request goes to the problem-solving team. The homeroom teacher involves the prosperity liaison or principal and meets with the parents. The parents and homeroom teacher review the attendance improvement plan together.
Threshold 4
80 to 100 absence points, 40 class periods of illness or approved leave, or 20 days of illness or approved leave.
The child's case is referred to the student welfare council for review. The school considers involving external systems, such as school support services, welfare services, or the health care system. The parents and homeroom teacher update the attendance improvement plan together.
Threshold 5
110 or more absence points, 50 class periods of illness or approved leave, or 30 days of illness or approved leave.
The school reports the child's attendance to the Department of Education and Youth and to child protection services. The parents and homeroom teacher update the attendance improvement plan together.
What can a parent do?
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Teach your child as early as preschool that every day counts and arriving on time matters.
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Maintain a regular bedtime routine so your child gets enough sleep.
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Set out clothes and supplies—like books, stationery, and gym or swimming gear—the night before.
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Ease the transition by meeting the new teacher alongside your child.
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Keep your child home only if they are truly sick. Headaches or stomachaches can signal anxiety, but they do not automatically require staying home.
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Talk to the teacher if your child seems anxious about attending school.
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Try to minimize school day disruptions for errands or doctor's appointments.
Did you know?
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A child can fall behind academically even if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.
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Repeated late arrivals can negatively affect learning, well-being, and social standing.
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Frequent absences affect the entire class when the teacher must help individual students catch up on missed class periods.
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Consistent school attendance fosters a positive self-image and serves as a foundation for a child's overall well-being at school.
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Strong school attendance supports a student's prosperity in future studies and work.
Keep in mind
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Consistent communication with the homeroom teacher builds trust and understanding.
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The homeroom teacher advocates for the child's interests at school.
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The homeroom teacher and the school must monitor and record attendance. When a student reaches the absence thresholds set by the Department of Education and Youth, a formal process begins.
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If a parent feels overwhelmed by their responsibilities toward a child avoiding school, the school and the City's service units are ready to help.
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If the proposed solutions cannot resolve these school attendance difficulties, the case is referred to Reykjavík Child Protection Services and the school authorities.
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Central services are available for children, schools, and families across the city. You can book an appointment there if needed.
