Improving attendance is a multifaceted mission, requiring different approaches in different contexts.

There are, however, some common overarching principles that can inform attendance strategies. We have brought these principles together as evidence-informed themes, each drawing upon recommendations from the EEF’s suite of guidance reports, to support school leaders in reflecting upon and developing strategies to tackle pupil absence and improve attendance.

These themes, which are explored in more detail on the EEF’s Supporting School Attendance webpages, are:

1. Build a holistic understanding of pupils and families, and diagnose specific needs

2. Build a culture of community and belonging for pupils

3. Communicate effectively with families

4. Improve universal provision for all pupils

5. Deliver targeted interventions to supplement universal provision

6. Monitor the impact of approaches

We want to make it as easy as possible for school leaders and attendance teams to consider these themes when reflecting on and developing attendance strategies. To support this, we have produced a two-page editable reflection tool, with questions based on the more detailed information and guidance that can be found on the Supporting School Attendance webpages. This tool can be electronically edited, or printed out for your written notes during discussion and planning with colleagues.

Further reading:

• Attendance Interventions Rapid Evidence Assessment (EEF, 2022)