Title: Enhancing Student Attendance: Successful Strategies in Welsh Schools Introduction: Discover the innovative methods implemented by Welsh schools to significantly boost student attendance rates. Key Strategies: 1. Engaging Curriculum Development: - Schools are designing engaging and relevant curricula that resonate with students' interests, making learning more appealing and reducing absenteeism. 2. Strong Community Involvement: - Welsh schools foster partnerships with parents and...
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In the wake of the pandemic, schools across Wales have encountered significant challenges in maintaining student attendance. Many institutions are struggling to return to pre-pandemic levels. However, some have found innovative solutions to encourage higher attendance rates. One such school, Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili, has emerged as a leader, achieving an impressive 98.2% attendance rate in September.
This success can be attributed to a combination of dedicated staff and strategic community engagement.
Acting headteacher Eleri Jones emphasizes that the education landscape has shifted considerably since the pandemic, making it unlikely for attendance to revert to previous norms.
However, she is confident that with the right approach, schools can still significantly improve attendance.
Community engagement and support systems
A cornerstone of Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili’s success is its commitment to fostering strong relationships with families. The school prioritizes investing in staff resources, including family welfare officers, who play a crucial role in maintaining communication with parents and guardians.
By keeping families informed and involved, the school creates a supportive environment that encourages regular student attendance.
Monitoring attendance patterns
At Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili, attendance is closely monitored to identify trends that may indicate potential issues. For instance, if students frequently miss school on Mondays or Fridays, staff reach out to families to discuss the reasons behind these absences. This proactive approach fosters open dialogue, allowing the school to collaborate with families to find solutions without resorting to punitive measures such as absence fines.
In some cases, Eleri has even visited the homes of absent students, with parental consent, to personally encourage their return to school. This level of commitment illustrates the school’s belief in the importance of attendance and the lengths they will go to ensure students feel welcomed and valued.
Innovative initiatives to enhance student engagement
The school offers a variety of activities that appeal to students, both during and after school hours. By organizing engaging events and enriching experiences, Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili helps students develop a sense of belonging and excitement about attending school. The school also ensures that financial constraints do not hinder participation by providing funding for trips and extracurricular activities.
Additionally, the school has established a breakfast club that operates every morning, attended by nearly half of the students. This initiative not only provides nourishment but also creates a sense of community among students, setting a positive tone for the day ahead.
Collaborative efforts and future goals
As the Welsh Government addresses the issue of absenteeism, it has noted the exemplary attendance rates at Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili as a model for other schools. The education department has initiated a task force focused on finding effective strategies to enhance attendance across Wales, acknowledging that collaboration between schools and families is vital to success.
In addition to local efforts, the school has chosen to generate additional income by sharing its expertise with organizations such as Estyn and Cardiff Metropolitan University. This financial strategy has allowed Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili to allocate its entire local authority budget to staffing, ensuring that students receive the support they need.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite these achievements, the transition to secondary education often brings increased absenteeism. The local council is aware of this trend and is actively working to provide additional support to students before they make the leap to high school. This includes organizing transition sessions that help students acclimate to their new environment, fostering emotional connections with staff, and ensuring that they feel prepared for the change.
Acting headteacher Eleri Jones emphasizes that the education landscape has shifted considerably since the pandemic, making it unlikely for attendance to revert to previous norms. However, she is confident that with the right approach, schools can still significantly improve attendance.0
