What you need to know...
As the new school year approaches, schools across the country are preparing to implement significant updates based on the new ‘Working Together to Improve Attendance’ guidance. These changes are designed to support students, parents, and schools in fostering a culture of regular attendance and maximising the educational experience for every child. Here’s what you need to know about these changes and how they will impact everyone involved.
What Changes Are Coming?
In line with the ‘Working Together to Improve Attendance’ initiative, schools will be implementing several key strategies:
1. Stronger Relationships with Families: Schools will be enhancing efforts to build strong, trusting relationships with families. By listening to and understanding the unique barriers each family faces, schools can work together with parents to find practical solutions that encourage regular attendance.
2. Promoting a Positive School Culture: Schools will continue to cultivate environments where students are eager to attend. This includes making school a safe, welcoming, and engaging place where learning is both enjoyable and rewarding.
3. Clear Communication of Policies: Attendance policies will be communicated more clearly to ensure that all staff, students, and parents understand the expectations and benefits of regular attendance.
4. Accurate and Efficient Record-Keeping: Schools will maintain meticulous records of student attendance and absences and have effective follow-up procedures in place. This ensures that no student’s absence goes unnoticed and that support can be provided promptly.
5. Regular Monitoring and Support: By regularly monitoring attendance data, schools can quickly identify students or groups who may need extra support. This proactive approach allows schools to implement effective strategies before attendance issues become severe.
6. Collaborative Efforts with Partners: Schools will work more closely with other educational institutions, local authorities, and community partners. This collaboration ensures a comprehensive support network for students at risk of persistent absence.
7. Special Support for Those in Need: Schools will be particularly attentive to students who are absent due to mental or physical health issues or special educational needs. Providing additional support for these students is a priority to ensure their successful participation in school.
What This means for students, parents and schools?
For Students:
– A Welcoming Environment: Schools will strive to be places where your child feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.
– Support When Needed: If your child faces challenges attending school regularly, their school is committed to listening and helping your child overcome those obstacles.
For Parents:
– Open Communication: Schools will engage more with you to understand and address any barriers to your child’s regular attendance.
– Clear Expectations: You will receive clear information about attendance policies and the importance of regular attendance, making it easier to support your child’s education.
For Schools:
– Collaborative Culture: School staff will work together more closely, sharing information and strategies to support all students.
– Proactive Approach: Schools will identify and address attendance issues early, ensuring that students receive the help they need promptly.
Your Role and Responsibility
Students: Your responsibility is to attend school regularly, participate actively, and seek help if you need it (yes, this is something we are concerned about, particularly if a child is masking or doesn’t know how to ask for help)..
Parents: Your role is to ensure your child attends school regularly, communicate with the school about any issues, and work together with educators to support your child’s education.
Schools: Their responsibility is to provide a nurturing environment, track attendance accurately, and offer timely support to students and families.
The intent by following these changes shows that schools are committed to making these changes a success and creating thriving educational communities where children want to attend..
