Attending school is compulsory for all children between the ages of 6 and 16 years [Education Act 1972 s 5]. Each child of compulsory education age is required to be enrolled at a government, non-government or correspondence school, or approved learning program. They must attend (or participate in the case of correspondence school) unless the Minister has granted a certificate of exemption from attendance. If a child of compulsory education age is absent from school, the parent must within a reasonable time give a written explanation for the absence [Education Act 1972 s 76(2)(c)].