Attendance is a crucial safeguarding issue, not just a metric to track. This targeted course is designed for Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), deputy DSLs, attendance leads, and senior leaders responsible for safeguarding or inclusion. It focuses on how attendance concerns often signal wider safeguarding risks and equips leaders to take a strategic, proactive role in managing these challenges.
Participants will explore the legal framework, learn how to identify and escalate attendance-related safeguarding concerns, and develop multi-agency working strategies. The course supports DSLs in embedding a whole-school attendance approach that strengthens safeguarding culture and ensures no pupil’s absence goes unnoticed or unaddressed.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs), Deputy DSLs, Attendance Leads, Senior Leaders with safeguarding or inclusion responsibilities, and pastoral staff involved in attendance and child protection.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This masterclass will enable participants to:
Understand the vital link between attendance and safeguarding concerns
Stay current with statutory responsibilities and guidance including KCSIE and Working Together to Improve School Attendance
Identify early warning signs of safeguarding risks connected to attendance patterns
Develop clear processes for risk assessment, escalation, and referral
Strengthen multi-agency working to support vulnerable pupils effectively
Lead the development of a whole-school attendance strategy that aligns with safeguarding priorities
