Schools in England and Wales are using creative methods to encourage students to attend classes regularly, in response to concerns that high levels of absence could have long-term consequences. Techniques such as therapy dogs, prize vouchers, wellness sessions, taxi rides, and shepherd’s huts are being implemented by schools to attract students who may be hesitant to attend regularly.
One school, Mary Immaculate high school in Cardiff, opened a new £1.7m facility called the Churchill wellness centre, which has been instrumental in improving attendance rates. The centre provides a welcoming environment for students, especially those who may be labeled as “anxious avoiders.” The presence of a therapy dog named Teddy has been a hit among students, with the labradoodle helping to create a comfortable space for individual sessions.
While incentives like prize vouchers for good attendance have been used by schools for years, some institutions are taking it a step further by offering weekly rewards and prize draws. Southmere primary academy in Bradford, for example, offers £20 vouchers for classes with perfect attendance and the chance to win a new bike for students with flawless records at the end of the year. These initiatives aim to motivate students to attend classes consistently.
However, school leaders emphasize that addressing severe absenteeism requires more than just rewards. Robert Bell, head of Evolve in Sunderland, stresses the importance of focusing on students’ mental health and well-being. By starting each day with a “fit to learn” period to address students’ concerns, schools like Evolve have seen significant improvements in attendance rates. Bell believes that discussing mental health openly is crucial to breaking the cycle of poor attendance, especially in families where education may not be a top priority.
Kevin Buchanan, head of EdStart Schools, echoes the sentiment that attendance issues can be generational. He emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that involves the entire family in supporting a child’s attendance. By identifying and addressing barriers to attendance, schools can help students establish healthy routines and habits that promote regular class attendance.
David Williams, director of inclusion at the Park academies trust (TPat) in Swindon, also highlights the risk of entrenched absences becoming a multi-generational issue. TPat has taken proactive steps by opening a “school of solutions” to provide specialized support for students. Additionally, the use of shepherd’s huts near the school gates has proven effective in easing the anxiety of students and parents who may struggle with traditional school settings.
Overall, schools are recognizing the need for innovative approaches to tackle absenteeism and ensure that all students have the opportunity to engage in their education. By combining incentives, mental health support, and personalized strategies, educators are working towards breaking the cycle of poor attendance and creating a positive learning environment for all students.