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We expect all children on roll to attend every day, when the school is in session, as long as they are fit and healthy enough to do so. We believe that the most important factor in promoting good attendance is development of positive attitudes towards school. To this end, we strive to make our school a happy and rewarding experience for all children. We will also make the best provision we can for those children who, due to ill health, are prevented from coming to school.
Inclusive Attendance
Oakwood is proudly recognised as an Inclusive Attendance school. Our unwavering commitment to attendance centres around learner-centric actions, evidence-informed practices, and a shared understanding of everyone's roles and collective responsibilities to promote exceptional attendance. We pride ourselves on working closely with families provide the best possible outcomes for learners. This includes tailored support where attendance challenges arise.
At Oakwood School, we are driven by an unwavering commitment to making school attendance a top priority, fully integrated with every aspect of school improvement. Using the Inclusive Attendance Model – the first and only accredited programme providing the pedagogy of practice – we support learners and families to connect, belong, and thrive.
Impact and Collaboration
Through our ongoing year-long Inclusive Attendance implementation programme, and five-year long-term strategy, we deliver measurable impact by creating an inclusive attendance culture and improving outcomes for all children and young people. We are outward-facing in our approach and value working regionally and nationally, through a systems-led model with other schools and external agencies. We continually strengthen and enhance our offer year on year. This work is underpinned by ongoing accredited CPD for staff each year, ensuring sustainable change, stronger outcomes for children and young people, and a deeply embedded culture of collective responsibility.
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 the implementation of 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 learners.
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.
The Importance of School Attendance
School attendance is not merely a requirement but a fundamental pillar of education. It plays a pivotal role in shaping the next stage of life for our learners.
- Personal Development: School is where children acquire knowledge and skills that are crucial for their personal progress. Missing days means missing out on valuable learning opportunities.
- Social Development: School provides a vital social environment for children and adolescents to interact with peers, develop friendships, and learn essential social skills. Consistent attendance ensures children remain connected to their peer group.
- Building Routine: School attendance establishes a structured routine in learners lives. This helps to build independence and security.
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