The Crucial Role of Pupil Attendance in Fostering a Thriving Learning Environment
“Belonging shapes our identity and influences our behaviour. When we feel a sense of belonging, it inspires us to be our best selves and contributes to a more cohesive and productive community.”
Belonging
At St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust, we recognise the fundamental role that a sense of belonging plays in driving school attendance. It’s evident that pupils, particularly females, need to feel safe and connected within their school environment to attend regularly. Research shows that pupils with higher attendance rates often have a stronger sense of belonging to their school community.
In our continuous journey towards creating a nurturing and empowering environment for our pupils at St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust, a key element consistently demands our attention: pupil attendance. We understand that attendance is more than just physically being in school; it’s about actively participating and immersing in the learning journey. Regular attendance allows pupils to engage fully with the educational experiences we offer, laying the groundwork for their academic and social success.
The ImpactEd Evaluation Attendance Record Report, highlights a clear link between consistent attendance and academic achievement. Pupils with higher attendance rates consistently demonstrate better academic outcomes, a trend that resonates across all year groups and subjects. Regular attendance also fosters a sense of belonging and community, essential elements in creating a place where our pupils can truly thrive.
We know that achieving optimal attendance is not without its challenges. External factors such as health concerns and family commitments, coupled with pupil engagement and school environment, play a significant role. Our commitment, as reflected in our strategic plans and recent CEO reports, is to tackle these challenges head-on.
Our approach to improving school attendance, addresses both the symptoms and root causes of absenteeism. We engage with families to provide support systems for those with attendance difficulties. Additionally, we’re continuously refining our curriculum and school environment to make each day at school not just educational, but exciting and inspiring for our pupils.
Improving attendance is a collective responsibility, involving school staff, parents, pupils, and the broader community. Our ethos of open communication, as highlighted in our “It’s Good to Talk” blog, is pivotal in this effort. By understanding and addressing the concerns of our pupils and their families, we can create a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes regular attendance.
Looking forward, our focus remains unwavering on enhancing pupil attendance ensuring that each day a pupil spends at our schools contributes to their overall well-being and academic success. Through strategic planning and concerted efforts, we are dedicated to realising our vision of ‘a place to thrive’ for every child in our care.
In conclusion, pupil attendance is not just a metric of participation; it’s a fundamental component of our educational ethos at St Martin’s Multi Academy Trust. Prioritising and improving attendance is key to enabling our pupils to thrive, preparing them for a confident and successful future.