Fabricated or induced illness
Fabricated illness stems from a mental health problem in which a care giver makes up…
Browsing: Support strategies articles
School phobia: Not just a refusal
The term ‘school refuser’ sounds defiant and deliberate. It suggests a child trying to ‘get…
Brexit and attendance
You might be tired of hearing about it, but Brexit will have implications for attendance…
Practitioner concerns and solutions
What are the main issues for attendance officers today and what strategies can they use…
Understanding and responding to challenging behaviour
How can we look beyond the label of ‘bad behaviour’ and respond and support a…
Improving sixth form attendance
The raising of the participation age has had an impact on provision for older students.…
Collaborating with professionals
The work of the attendance officer can feel solitary at times. In this article, Victoria Franklin explains how they can work alongside others and build a wider team to deliver services to children and families.
Improving attendance: How to support your attendance officer
Does the attendance officer at your school get the support and appreciation they deserve? In this article, headteacher Richard Steward sums up some of the main challenges and emphasises the importance of a whole-school strategy.
What is the link between absence and attainment?
It is common sense that if a child is off school for a long period of time, their attainment will suffer. However, can the same be said for a day’s or even a week’s holiday? John Viner examines the evidence for a link between attendance and performance.
The isolation manager: An increasingly sophisticated role
Having someone to manage a time-out or isolation facility is becoming an increasingly common role. In this article, headteacher Dr Richard Steward gives practical advice on how to make it work in your school.