Putting children and young people's views at the centre: Section 3: What are the factors/feelings contributing to low engagement or attendance?

Open question: What do you think about school? (Prompts: Why’s that? Tell me more about that?) 

• Do you find the school welcoming and safe?  
• Do you have any issues with the school rules or expectations? 
• Does the school day structure suit you? 
• Prompts: start time, break times, length of the day, your timetable, choice of subjects, clubs offered, buses …? 
• How well do you get on with the staff in the school?  
• Prompt: Any issues?  
• Do you enjoy learning? Do you find it engaging or interesting? Do you find any subjects particularly difficult or too easy? 
• How do you find the transitions in school? 
• Prompts: changing classes, teachers, or even different activities during the day? Any specific issues?
• Other factors

Open questions: How do you feel about school? Do you want to come to school? Do you feel supported in school? (Why’s that? Tell me more about that?) 

• Do you feel:  
  • part of the school, that you belong?  
  • you have a say in what happens in the school? 
  • you can be your own person, an individual, in school? 
• Do you think your confidence or your behaviour is affecting your learning or your attendance? 
• Do you feel emotionally and/or physically well? (Prompts: Tired, low mood, unfit)
• Does anything make you feel anxious? (Prompts: separation from family, learning tasks, exams)
• Do you think you are well supported with your wellbeing?  
• Do you think you are supported in your learning? 
• Do you smoke or vape?
  • Does it affect you in school?
  • Do you have other habits that affect you attending class or school? Gaming? Social media? 

Open questions: Do you have friends in school? Tell me more about them? 

• Do you find it easy to make friends?
  • Do you have a lot of friends or just a few?
  • Are they close or good friends?
  • Any issues with your friends?
  • Do you ever fall out with your friends? 
• Do you ever feel lonely? 
  • Would you like to have more or different friends? 
• At times do you feel pressurised by your friends?  (Prompts: looks, how to behave, through social media?)
  • Do you think your friends are good influence on you? 
• Do you think your friends are there for you when you need support?  
  • Would you like more or less support from them? 
• Do you ever feel bullied?
  • Have you been bullied?  (Prompt: Tell me more about that?)

Open questions: How are things at home? (Sensitivity and discretion is required for all questions about family) 

• Do you get on well with everyone else in your family?  (Prompts: Tell me more about…? )
• Has anything changed at home recently? 
• Is everyone well at home? (Prompts: Everyone healthy, happy, or stressed out?)
  • Does your parent or carer help you with your homework? 
• Do you feel your family support you?  
  • Would you like more or less support from them? 
• Do you help out at home? How? 
  • Prompt: Tell me more about that? 
• Did/do others in your family enjoy school? Were/are they good attendees?