Camden Learning has launched new attendance guidance for Camden schools, ‘Every School Day Counts’, setting out what effective, inclusive attendance practice looks like across Camden schools and sharing promising approaches that are already making a difference for children and families.
Following the pandemic, attendance levels in many schools nationally have not yet returned to their previous rates, and in Camden they are among the lowest in London meaning children are missing out on their educational entitlement. A recent analysis of Camden attendance data highlighted that children eligible for free school meals, those with special educational needs, young carers and children known to social care are disproportionately more likely to be persistently absent. The guide encourages schools to use their data intelligently, identify patterns and develop targeted plans rooted in local need.
Improving attendance requires a whole-school approach that is built on culture, consistency, communication and strong partnerships. It is also a key priority within Camden’s Education Strategy, Building Back Stronger, which commits the borough to developing a system-wide locally aligned approach that strengthens links between education, health, wellbeing and safeguarding. Every School Day Counts reflects this ambition, drawing on what is already working across Camden to support schools in strengthening their practice.
Grounded in evidence and Camden practice
‘Every School Day Counts’ is structured around the Education Endowment Foundation’s six evidence-informed themes for supporting attendance, combining national evidence with local case studies from Camden schools. These six themes focus on:
- Building a holistic understanding of pupils and families, using data and local knowledge to identify needs and barriers to attendance
- Creating a culture of community and belonging, where pupils feel safe, valued and motivated to attend
- Communicating effectively with families, through clear, timely and supportive whole-school and targeted approaches
- Strengthening universal provision, with robust systems to notice, follow up and respond to absence
- Delivering targeted interventions, including working with external services where additional support is needed
- Monitoring impact, using evidence to evaluate what is working and refine approaches
These themes are illustrated through case studies from Edith Neville, Christ Church and Netley primary schools, and Regent High, Parliament Hill and La Sainte Union secondary schools, where school leaders are innovating and strengthening approaches to ensure all children attend school regularly.
Rather than presenting a one-size-fits-all model, the guide encourages school leaders to reflect on their own context, data, and school community, and to adapt their approach accordingly. It recognises that the reasons for absence are often complex, ranging from health and special educational needs to caring responsibilities, experiences of bullying or wider family pressures.
Attendance as a whole-school endeavour
A central message of the guide is that ensuring good attendance is everyone’s responsibility. While schools appoint a senior leader as an Attendance Champion, the most effective practice is seen where attendance is strategically led by senior leaders, regularly discussed by governors, and all staff from office teams to class teachers and support staff understand the part they play in improving attendance.
The guide also highlights the importance of building a culture of belonging, where children feel safe, valued and are missed when they are absent. Schools such as Edith Neville and Christ Church are cited for their focus on pupil voice, trusted adult relationships and welcoming starts to the school day, all of which contribute to stronger engagement and attendance.
Working in partnership with families
The guide promotes a “support first” approach, recognising parents as partners and emphasising clarity, accessibility and trust. Practical strategies include reporting attendance in “days missed” rather than percentages, celebrating improvements as well as high attendance and ensuring families know where to go for help.
Targeted, timely communication is particularly important when attendance begins to decline. Schools featured in the guide demonstrate how early conversations, rather than delayed escalation, can prevent absence from becoming entrenched.
At Netley Primary School, for example, an ‘Attendance Awareness Course’ has been developed to highlight to parents the impact of absence. Regent High School have worked with local external services such as The Brandon Centre who respond to the psychological, social needs and challenges of young people, to build effective engagement with their parents and carers.
Sustaining impact
The guide stresses the importance of monitoring impact. Schools are encouraged to use a PLAN–DO–REVIEW cycle to evaluate what is working, adapt approaches and share learning. This focus on reflection and improvement ensures that attendance strategies remain responsive and effective.
‘Every School Day Counts’ is designed as a practical tool for school leaders, attendance champions and governors to support them reflect on their practice and implement changes that support every Camden child to attend school regularly.
By working together, considering attendance as a whole school endeavour, learning from strong practice, and ensuring strong partnerships with parents and young people, Camden schools are rising to the challenge of ensuring that every school day counts for every Camden child.
