In a novel approach to a persistent problem, a primary school in North London is fighting high pupil absence rates by offering parents special awareness courses, mirroring the model used for speeding drivers, rather than immediately issuing fines.
The Empathetic Approach to School Attendance
Netley Primary School in Camden has been highlighted by the local council for its innovative strategy. Instead of a punitive first step, the school invites parents at risk of receiving a fixed penalty notice for their child's poor attendance to attend four supportive sessions.
Head of School Gareth Morris explained that the initiative was inspired by speed awareness courses. He reported that the feedback from parents has been "incredibly positive", with many noting it helped them understand the anxiety their children feel when missing school.
The results speak for themselves. Morris told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the courses have "dramatically" improved attendance for 8 out of 10 families who participated. While fines remain an option if attendance does not improve, the school's focus is on continuous support and monitoring when progress is seen.
The Scale of the Problem in Camden
A council report published on Monday, 10th November, underscored the borough's vulnerability regarding school attendance. The data reveals that Camden's rate of persistent absence is higher than both the inner London and national averages.
Shockingly, more than one in five pupils in Camden miss more than one in ten of their lessons. A report from February this year ranked the borough 29th out of 32 for primary school absences and 30th for secondary schools.
Stephen Hall, CEO of Camden Learning, informed the council's Children, Schools and Families Scrutiny Committee that while progress is being made, there is still a "disproportionate" number of disadvantaged children and pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) who are regularly absent.
What's Driving Pupil Absence?
Mr Hall identified several factors, noting that Camden has the highest sickness absence rate in inner London. However, he also pointed to a significant cultural challenge: families taking unauthorised holidays during term-time.
Headteacher Gareth Morris corroborated this, stating that a "shift in culture" and the high cost of airfares since the Covid-19 pandemic have led to more families requesting term-time vacations.
He revealed a stark economic reality: "A fixed penalty notice is not enough to deter these holidays as the fine of £120 is significantly cheaper than the thousands of pounds a family can save by going in term time." Morris called for a wider national discussion about potentially radically changing how school terms operate.
Beyond individual school initiatives, Camden Council is attempting to drive up attendance with measures including bus stop campaign posters and text messaging parents of children whose attendance falls below 95%.
