The Government has announced a crackdown on truancy and school attendance which will include a traffic light system of punishments for students and their parents.

It's one of a raft of changes to try and get kids into the classroom, including daily reporting of attendance and public health guidelines around when students are too sick to attend.

Associate Education Minister David Seymour says clear expectations will be laid down for parents, schools, and the Ministry - along with consequences.

Secondary Schools principals association Vaughun Couillault spoke to Charlotte Cook.