Phillimore School is proud to be a Bronze Inclusive Attendance school.

Our unwavering commitment to attendance centres around child-centric actions, evidence-informed practices, and a shared understanding of everyone's roles and collective responsibilities to promote exceptional attendance.

Inclusive Attendance Professional Development Model

Our attendance approach is fundamentally guided by the Inclusive Attendance professional development model. Comprising six tailored Learning Modules, this model deepens our understanding by facilitating continuous professional learning for all staff. Within this model, the four domains of practice ensure professional learning, professional development, evidence-based practices, and exemplary leadership and management that seamlessly integrate theory into practice.

Multi-Tiered System of Support

To guarantee a comprehensive approach to attendance, we implement a Multi-Tiered System of Support. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) for school attendance involves three tiers of intervention, with roles for teachers, the school, children, parents, and external agencies – including the Local Authority.  Data-driven decision-making and training requirements are pivotal to implementing the system.  The system aligns with the Department for Education's (DFE) "Working Together to Improve School Attendance" guidelines. 

Tier 1 – Universal Approach: Establishing a baseline universal attendance approach that benefits all children. 

Tier 2 – Individualised Strategies and Early Help Support: Tailoring strategies to individual needs and providing early help support for persistent attendance challenges.

Tier 3 - Higher Needs Strategies Support: Furnishing specialised support for children, young people, and families with complex attendance requirements, including access to external agency support when necessary.

Recognition-Based Approach

Our attendance philosophy is rooted in a recognition-based approach that recognises both personal and collective achievements. This approach helps prevent isolation and victimisation, cultivate positive environments, nurture relationships, foster inclusivity, and ultimately build intrinsic motivation among our children, families, and staff. 

The Importance of School Attendance

School attendance is not merely a requirement; it is a fundamental pillar of education. It plays a pivotal role in shaping academic success, personal growth, and future prospects, making it indispensable to any educational system. 

• Academic Achievement: Regular attendance directly correlates with academic success. Children who attend school consistently are more likely to keep up with the curriculum, perform better in exams, and improve their life outcomes.
• Knowledge Acquisition: School is where children acquire knowledge and skills crucial to their personal and professional growth. Missing days means missing out on valuable learning opportunities.
• Social Development: School provides a vital social environment where children interact with peers, build friendships, and learn essential social skills. Consistent attendance ensures children remain connected to their peer group.
• Building Routine: School attendance establishes a structured routine and teaches time management, responsibility, and valuable life skills.
• Teacher Interaction: Regular attendance allows for meaningful teacher-child interactions. When children attend regularly, teachers can provide personalised support, answer questions, and assess individual progress more effectively.
• Preventing Knowledge Gaps: Frequent absences can create significant knowledge gaps, making it hard for children to catch up on missed lessons and potentially leading to long-term academic struggles.
• School Engagement: Children who attend school regularly are more likely to engage in extracurricular activities, sports, and other enriching experiences that contribute to their overall development.
• Legal and Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring their child attends school regularly. Failing to do so can lead to legal consequences.
• Community Well-being: High school attendance contributes to the overall well-being of communities.