Improving school attendance

Every Day Matters: High-Impact Attendance Monitoring for School Improvement

This training package provides a comprehensive and practical guide to establishing and sustaining high-quality attendance monitoring systems, using the proven strategies that have positioned Someries Infant School and Early Childhood Education Centre as a sector leader.

With overall attendance currently standing at 96.8 – placing the school 1st out of 46 schools locally and in the top 10% nationally – this session will explore the systems, strategies and leadership decisions that drive exceptional attendance outcomes across all pupil groups. Persistent absence is exceptionally low at 5.8%, and attendance for pupils eligible for free school meals (FSM) is a strength at 95.6%, again ranking the school first locally and within the top national decile.

During the session, participants will explore how to implement a strategic, whole-school approach to attendance, driven by senior leadership and supported by precise, data-informed analysis. They will engage with a range of tools designed to support early identification and proactive intervention, with a particular focus on addressing the needs of vulnerable groups such as pupils with SEND and those eligible for free school meals. The training will review best practices in family engagement, the importance of consistent messaging, and strategies for building a positive attendance culture across the school community. Throughout the session, case studies and frameworks from the school’s own practice will be shared, including reporting formats, tracking systems, and attendance action plans that have been proven to deliver impact.

Cost of this training: £150 per school or group of schools

Course length: Half-day

Course lead: Michael Scott (Head Teacher)