This essential one-day masterclass moves beyond theory to provide a comprehensive toolkit of practical, evidence-based strategies for tackling the root causes of truancy and persistent absence. Participants will leave equipped and inspired to implement a robust, multitiered attendance strategy in their own school setting.
The national attendance crisis presents one of the most significant challenges for school leaders today. With post-pandemic absence rates remaining stubbornly high, schools are under increasing pressure to demonstrate effective strategies that bring pupils back into the classroom. This masterclass directly addresses this challenge by providing a deep dive into the complex factors driving both external and internal truancy. It explores the latest research on the links between absence and mental health, SEND, and socioeconomic disadvantage, ensuring your approach is both compassionate and compliant with current DfE guidance on improving school attendance. You will gain a clear understanding of your legal responsibilities and the most effective ways to work in partnership with families and external agencies to overcome attendance barriers.
This is not a day for abstract discussion; it is a day for action. The programme is packed with practical, schooltested initiatives that you can adapt and implement immediately. From universal strategies that foster a culture of belonging to targeted interventions for at-risk pupils and intensive support for severe absentees, you will acquire a full spectrum of solutions. We will dissect real-world case studies and explore a wealth of resources designed to reduce staff workload while increasing impact. You will return to school with not only a renewed sense of purpose but also a concrete action plan to make a measurable difference to your attendance figures and, most importantly, to the life chances of your pupils.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Headteachers, Deputy Headteachers, Assistant Headteachers, Attendance Officers, Pastoral Leaders, Heads of Year, and any senior leader responsible for attendance and behaviour.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This masterclass will enable you to:
Develop a comprehensive understanding of the current national attendance landscape and the complex reasons behind truancy.
Distinguish between different types of absence, including Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) and internal truancy, and identify their root causes.
Gain confidence in navigating the legal framework surrounding school attendance, including sanctions and parental contracts.
Acquire a toolkit of over 50 evidence-based, practical strategies for improving attendance across universal, targeted, and individualised tiers.
Master techniques for effective communication and partnership with parents and carers to collaboratively address attendance issues.
Learn how to use data effectively to identify at-risk pupils and truancy ‘hotspots’ within the school.
Explore successful methods for managing internal truancy and maintaining a visible staff presence.
Formulate a strategic action plan for implementing a whole-school attendance improvement strategy.
FACILITATOR
Stephen has spent over 25 years teaching and leading challenging secondary schools across the UK, is now a sought after expert practitioner, consultant and trainer in: Developing outstanding leadership at all levels, Highly effective strategies to ensure outstanding learning, teaching and progress, Positive behaviour management techniques to re-engage disaffected learners, Restorative justice, Performance management, professional development, coaching and mentoring, peer mentoring, Safe recruiting, child protection and safe interview practices, Meeting the needs of exceptionally able learners; and Music and Performing Arts Education
