When it comes to improving attendance, every school faces its own unique challenges. Yet, the national concern around declining student attendance affects all of us. During our recent webinar, we explored this pressing issue and heard from Lindsey Ebsworth, Headteacher at St Albans Catholic Primary School. She generously shared her school’s approach, revealing how they achieved an impressive 2.5% increase in attendance, significantly surpassing the national average.
In this blog, we've summarised the strategies Lindsey put in place within her school community which had most impact. These practical tips, ranging from celebrating attendance achievements to fostering stronger communication with parents, have helped to not only improve attendance but also engage pupils and families in a meaningful way. Whether you're a headteacher, school leader, or someone concerned about attendance, we hope you’ll find these insights valuable. After all, it’s about more than just getting pupils through the door - it's about creating an environment where they want to be there, every day.
Celebrate attendance
One of the most effective strategies shared was celebrating attendance in a way that genuinely excites the students. Simple rewards for good attendance have had a huge impact. Whether it’s something small like stickers, certificates, or house points to spend at the school shop, these incentives give students a clear goal to aim for. For those hitting 100% attendance, the school has even partnered with the local authority to offer special activities - a fantastic way to keep children motivated.
Interestingly, they noticed that Fridays were often the days with the poorest attendance. So, they shifted many of the celebrations to Fridays. The result? More children turning up to be part of the fun, helping to close the gap on those lower attendance days.
Communication with parents
Good communication with parents is at the heart of St Albans’ attendance strategy. Lindsey highlighted the importance of ensuring parents fully understand the national push for improved attendance. By discussing this in introductory meetings or simply chatting at the school gates, parents are more informed and on board with the school's goals.
Moreover, the school has made it easier than ever for parents to get in touch. Instead of just relying on phone calls, they've opened up communication via the school app and even WhatsApp. This flexibility means parents can engage in a way that feels most comfortable for them, creating a more open and supportive dialogue.
Set up an attendance team
A dedicated attendance team has been pivotal in the school's success. With clearly defined roles, this team proactively identifies students whose attendance is slipping below the national target of 96%. Once a student is flagged, the team works closely with them, developing a tailored strategy to bring them back into the classroom. This focused approach ensures no student falls through the cracks, and the extra attention can make all the difference.
Lead by example
Children are quick to follow the example set by adults, which is why St Albans ensures staff lead from the front. Every morning, teachers and support staff are at the school gates, ready to greet students and parents alike. This simple act demonstrates to the students that the staff are punctual, committed, and engaged right from the start of the day. Plus, it offers parents the chance to ask any quick questions or raise concerns on the spot, reinforcing that sense of community and support.
Extra support for those who need it
Recognising that some students need more than just encouragement to attend regularly, St Albans has put in place extra support for those facing challenges. A dedicated team surrounds these students, offering a personalised plan tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s family circumstances, health issues, or anxiety, this team creates a supportive environment that makes coming to school feel more manageable. Instead of a “one-size-fits-all” approach, each child gets the care and attention they need to thrive.
Catch up on missed learning
For those who have missed school, catching up on lost learning is essential. St Albans has introduced special sessions where students can catch up on the learning in a dedicated environment with the headteacher. Making the students aware that they have missed vital learning time has meant they now ask to come along to those sessions, so they can catch up to where their friends are. It’s a brilliant way to ensure that no student falls behind, and it’s helping to build a culture where catching up is seen as both valuable and necessary.
To hear more about how St Albans Catholic Primary School managed to exceed the national attendance average, and to dive deeper into their successful strategies, you can listen to the full webinar ‘Attendance excellence: strategies and successes’. Whether you're just beginning your journey to tackle attendance or looking for new ideas to implement, these practical steps could help bring your school closer to its goals.