A concerted effort across all our schools to improve attendance has resulted in the Trust average now being above 95%.

At Peckover Primary School, attendance used to be around 91-92% but that has risen this academic year to 96% after processes were re-examined and staff roles identified. For instance, parents have been invited into school for meetings at an earlier stage and if they fail to attend, it is followed up as a priority. The school has also been working closely with Thomas Clarkson Academy to ensure consistency with sibling links.

Martine Boyd, the Trust’s Education Welfare Officer, said: “As we review our practice in light of national guidelines, we need to be absolutely clear with parents about the expectations in relation to attendance alongside our own responsibilities.”

Following the successful move to improving attendance in Cambridgeshire, a report was written for BBC Radio Cambridgeshire highlighting the importance of clear, concise communication between the parent, school and agencies and how keeping the lines of communication open and having a consistent approach to attendance improves the young person’s chances of success in education.