There is no quick and simple solution, nor a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to improving school attendance. However, partnerships between schools, parents and the
local community can assist in reducing absenteeism and making every day count at school.
Schools may find the following tools useful in planning and documenting their approach to improving attendance.
Recognising signs of potential school absenteeism
Early warning signs of school absenteeism
Student attendance model
A model to making every day count fact sheet outlines a 3-part model aimed to improve student attendance. More details for each part of the model is provided below.
Part 1: Develop common terminology
Common terminology and definitions accessible version
Part 2: Develop a comprehensive approach
Step 1: Develop a positive school culture
Step 2: Communicate high expectations of attendance
Step 3: Record and follow-up student absences
Step 4: Monitor student non-attendance
Step 5: Provide intervention and support
Part 3: Make every day in the classroom count
State schools improvement strategy
Communicating and planning attendance strategies
Making every day count: PowerPoint presentation for school staff
Making every day count: Successful attendance strategies accessible version
Making every day count: Actionable playbook
Case studies
Communication with parents and the community
Engaging the community
Fact sheets to give to parents
Video resources to show at parent information sessions/evenings
Research
School attendance research
Posters
Version 1
Version 2