Case studies/best practice

In the second of two articles, Matt Bromley outlines three important factors when working collaboratively with colleagues and some advice for how attendance officers might engage with new and supply staff. Summary All members of staff need to be clear about the expectations of the school in terms of attendance and convey its importance to parents and students.Training may be needed to support the effective use of data and the keeping of registers.The attendance officer should have systems in place to support new members of staff and supply teachers. In my first article, I outlined five steps for improving attendance.…

How can schools support children with attachment difficulties to get high-quality outcomes in mainstream schools? Assistant headteacher Aimee Cave explains her approach. Summary Supporting children with attachment needs can lead to a reduction in other risk factors.A senior manager should be appointed to facilitate an attachment-aware school.The senior manager should monitor school policies and practices to ensure that they are attachment-friendly.Supporting growth in the child’s holistic development will impact on their learning potential and educational attainment. Government figures from 2018 suggest that 59% of looked-after children (LAC) have SEND at the end of Key Stage 2. This is an incredibly…

Taking a child-centred approach and taking a strategic approach to attendance needn’t be at odds with one another. In this article, Victoria Franklin explains how the two can work together, focusing on common areas of ground rather than the differences. Summary There are historical reasons why there is a tension between child-centred approaches and strategic approaches.Both approaches are necessary and can complement each other where there is good communication.Above all, a strategic approach must not lead to safeguarding issues being overlooked. Getting a balanced approach to attendance matters from a strategic and child-centred point of view needs to be carefully…