Introductory Meeting
28th June 2023 – COMPLETED
This meeting was to introduce Unity Schools Partnership and our Attendance Hub Lead Schools:
- Abbots Green Primary Academy and Houldsworth Valley Primary Academy
- St Edwards C of E Academy (secondary)
During this meeting we summarised our approach to being primary and secondary attendance hubs, outlined our tiered approach to tackling poor attendance and sought feedback from member schools regarding their priorities for future meetings and for being part of the attendance hub.
Meeting 2 – Oct 23
Secondary – 10 October 2023 – COMPLETED
Primary – 16 October 2023 – COMPLETED
As part of this meeting, we will hear from guest speakers on the subject of Emotional-Based School Avoidance and about Unity Schools Partnership’s Social Workers’ project.
We will outline our day one, week one, half term one responses, and expectations of staff.
Also, participating schools will be able to ask questions about the resources introduced in the first meeting.
Schools will also commit to take forward changes to their attendance approach and report back on progress in future meetings.
Meeting Resources:
- View the full EBSA video in the Wider Reading section of our resources.
- Public First Report – parental attitudes to absence Sept23
Meeting 3 – Jan 24
Primary & Secondary – 24 January 2024
Our third Attendance Hub meeting: With special guest speakers Marc Rowland (USP’s Advisor for Pupil Premium, Disadvantaged and vulnerable learners) and Toni Hayzen (Headteacher at Pembroke Park Primary) we discuss attendance in theory and in practice. Marc helps us to explore and consider the drivers of poor attendance and encourages us to see attendance challenges through the lens of disadvantaged pupils and their families. Toni Hayzen showcases the practical strategies and approach that Pembroke Primary has taken to see a marked and sustained improvement in attendance, not to mention the improved relationships with families.
Meeting 4 – Mar 24
Secondary – 11 March 2024
Primary – 14 March 2024
This will include a discussion of a key element of attendance practice on a rotating basis (effective use of data, working with the local authority, building a strong culture of attendance etc.). We will be driven by you (as hub members) as to the focus of this meeting as we draw out challenges and priorities from our previous meetings.
As part of the meeting, several schools will also discuss progress to date in implementing their new attendance practice. There will also be an opportunity for review and to consider if further changes need to be made.
Meeting 5 – May 24
Secondary – 15 May 2024
Primary – 16 May 2024
Are you ‘Attendance’ ready for August 19th?
This meeting will cover the key changes from the DfE that you need to know about and act upon to be ready for the 19th August.
Ensuring you are attendance ready on August 19th…
- The explicit the link between school culture and attendance
- Granting leave of absence
- Help to unpack the new coding
- Understanding penalty notices
- How to implement attendance contracts
- Ensuring greater awareness of pupils’ mental health
- Mandatory data sharing expectations
- Senior attendance champions
- Working with youth offending teams
- Securing all of this in your policy
Meeting 6 – July 24
Primary & Secondary – 15 July 2024
This will include a discussion of a key element of attendance practice on a rotating basis (effective use of data, working with the local authority, building a strong culture of attendance etc.). We will be driven by you (as hub members) as to the focus of this meeting as we draw out challenges and priorities from our previous meetings.
As part of the meeting, several schools will also discuss progress to date in implementing their new attendance practice. There will also be an opportunity for review and to consider if further changes need to be made.
Final Hub Meeting
Primary & Secondary – 14 October 2024
This final meeting will be an opportunity to reflect on progress made over the last 12 months, successes, ongoing and revisit commitments made in the initial meetings.