‘The most purposeful use of data is to inform whole school developments to improve attendance and plan to meet individual children and young people’s needs.’  Included, Engaged and Involved Part 1: A Positive Approach to the Promotion and Management of Attendance in Scottish Schools (www.gov.scot)

Identification of trends

• Highlight: Causes, history, groups, demographics
• Analyse: School data, Trends, Patterns, improvements
• Regular analysis and review of actionable data

Improving outcomes

• Wider tracking and monitoring information, including wellbeing assessments
• Identify the ‘vital few’ causes of absence
• Use analysis of data to allocate resource or targeted intervention to support improved engagement, achievement and attainment (i.e. How engaged are the children and young people?)
• Identify the ‘pull’ factors to school

Early warning signs (using data)

• Support transitions at all levels
• 90% attendance is an indicator that there will already be a negative impact on attainment
• Agree thresholds for initiating support
• Stepping in earlier if there are specific risks associated with an individual’s absence
• Ensure that data is monitored and considered for groups who are more likely to have barriers to attendance (i.e. young carers, children and young people with additional support needs, those impacted by poverty.

Promoting positive culture ethos and relationships

• Shared understanding of the importance of attendance
• Involve the learner and the family when identifying the ‘root cause’ and in developing support
• Regular professional dialogue and reflection
• Encourage full attendance in the first two weeks of the school year
• Supports to improve attendance and timekeeping
• High-quality conversations focused on improvement

Policy

• Ensure all absence is followed up in line with child protection purposes
• Local authority guidance and school level policies in place
• Record attendance at least twice a day
• Rigorous tracking and monitoring of all absences
• Roles and responsibilities of all school staff are clearly outlined

Provide clear and accessible attendance data to encourage greater accountability and collaboration in promoting regular attendance.