Start by analysing your attendance data
Make sure you fully understand the situation in your school before you start taking steps to improve it. Find out how to analyse your attendance and absence data in 3 steps.
Identify and anticipate flashpoints in the school year
Use your attendance data to notice where attendance is likely to drop, such as around school holidays and during exam periods.
Ahead of those flashpoints, reiterate the importance of attendance to parents/carers and pupils through clear, proactive communication. Remind them of the support in place if they're worried about exams, and of the consequences of taking term-time holidays, including fines as well as missing out on important lessons.
Focus your attention where it’s needed most
But remember: while whole-school approaches are important, you should target the majority