We are dedicated to supporting strong attendance for our children and young people so that they receive an excellent education. The benefits of being in school are numerous. However, the pandemic disrupted attendance habits, and we are facing more challenges than ever in supporting children to be in school. We are working exceptionally hard in response to this challenge. This includes following the working together to improve school attendance guidance.  Different factors are now influencing decision making for some parents, carers and pupils around whether a child or young person attends school. Starting to influence pupil, parent and carer behaviours is one part of tackling this very difficult issue.

We are committed to reducing absence in our school and recognise that this challenge cannot be met by us alone – government and wider support services action is also needed. To support us, the DfE have commissioned research to understand changes in parent and carer attitudes to attendance since the pandemic.

These have been based with these examples on research from Thinks Insight and Strategy (Thinks).

The research provides insight into the types of school absence and family decision making related to this. You can use the insight to adapt your communications to make them more effective. The research can help schools to set high standards for attendance, ensuring children and young people miss as little school as possible. Consistent and open communication can play an important role in starting to influence behaviours.