In the Federal Republic of Germany, schooling is compulsory for all children from the age of 6. They must attend full-time (which is usually mornings only, five, sometimes six, days per week) for nine or 10 years (dependent on the Land), followed by three years of at least part-time education. This applies equally to children with special educational needs, whether they are being educated in ordinary mainstream or special schools.9
Children may not normally be educated at home, unless they cannot attend school as they are recovering from illness. Under such circumstances, children may be taught at home, by qualified teaching staff, during the period of their convalescence. Compulsory schooling involves regular attendance at lessons and other compulsory school events. Both students and parents are responsible for seeing that this obligation is met. The companies providing vocational training (in the dual system of education and training offered in upper secondary education, students aged 15/16+) are also responsible for ensuring that their trainees fulfil their obligations to attend vocational school. The school headteacher checks on attendance records and can, if necessary, enforce attendance through various measures against the student, parents or the company providing vocational training.7