All children who have reached the age of six by a fixed cut-off date are required to attend school at the beginning of the following school year.

Compulsory schooling generally lasts 12 school years. It is divided into at least nine years of compulsory full-time schooling at primary level and at lower secondary level. Compulsory schooling is then completed at upper secondary level by attending a general education or vocational school or, for trainees, by attending a vocational school. It can also be shortened in individual cases.

Truancy is defined as recurring or prolonged and generally unexcused absence from school. Occasional truancy can also constitute truancy.

Truancy is an administrative offense that can be punished with a fine of up to 1000 euros.

Parents who do not ensure that underage pupils regularly attend lessons can also be found guilty of an administrative offense.

Together with the school administration, the public order office and the youth welfare office, we will work with you and your child to find a way to deal with the problem.

If you suspect that your child is not attending school regularly, please contact the school social worker at your child's school as soon as possible.

Normally, children should walk to school. This is not possible for all children in Salzgitter. However, if the distance from home to school is too far or if your child suffers from an illness, you can apply to the school administration for a ticket to use public transportation. Other solutions are also possible.

If your child has difficulties at school, e.g. with other children, young people or teachers, you can turn to the staff at your school in confidence. This could be, for example

• the class teacher
• the liaison teacher
• the school social worker

You can obtain the contact details of these people from your school office.

You can also contact our counseling center for children, adolescents and parents at any time.