Schools awarded after helping reduce absences and increase attendance
Wirral schools have been recognised after helping reduce persistent absence rates and improving average attendance.
More than 20 schools received the Inclusive Attendance Standard Programme Bronze Standard Award at a ceremony at Wallasey Town Hall.
To achieve the accreditation, schools completed a series of attendance-focused tasks and took part in three support sessions delivered by Wirral Council’s Attendance Service and Inclusive Attendance, which delivers the accreditation scheme.
Collectively the schools reduced persistent absence rates by more than 5%, compared to a national reduction of just 0.13%.
Average attendance across schools also increased by nearly 2.5%, despite national attendance falling 0.05%.
The programme goes beyond improving attendance figures. It helps schools develop a culture where every child feels valued, supported and able to succeed. By encouraging a whole-school approach, the Inclusive Attendance Standard Programme reinforces the message that attendance is everyone's responsibility and helps children and young people get the very best from their education.
The awards were presented by the Mayor of Wirral, Councillor Mary Jordan.
For children to gain the greatest benefit from their education, it is vital that they attend school regularly and arrive on time every day the school is open, unless their absence is unavoidable.
All the schools that participated in the Inclusive Attendance Standard Programme have clearly benefited, whether that is through reduction in persistent absences, increasing average attendance or changing the culture.
The cohort will now progress towards the Inclusive Attendance Standard Programme Silver Standard Award, while more Wirral schools will begin their journey towards achieving Bronze Standard in the next school year.
Schools that received the Inclusive Attendance Standard Programme Bronze Standard Award
Barnston Primary, Bedford Drive Primary, Bidston Avenue Primary, Castleway Primary, Cathcart Street Primary, Chapelhill Primary, Christchurch Primary Birkenhead, Fender Primary, Gayton Primary, Grove Street Primary, Kingsway Primary, Mersey Park Primary, Mount Primary, New Brighton Primary, Rock Ferry Primary, St Anne’s Catholic Primary, Somerville Primary, Hilbre High School, Ridgeway High School, Mosslands School, West Kirby Grammar School, West Kirby School and College, Clare Mount Specialist Sports College.
