This masterclass will equip school staff with strategies to proactively address the interconnected challenges of attendance, behaviour, and mental health in students.
“The Big Ask also shone a spotlight on the group of children who had begun to disengage with education entirely. Despite desperately wanting to learn and to return to school, these children faced daunting barriers to attendance which were holding them back from achieving their true potential.”
Missing Children, Missing Grades, November 2023
This seminar tackles the “perfect storm” leading to school absence – a combination of mental health concerns, behaviour, and complex student needs. Learn from UCL research on these factors and the “Not in school” report, to identify vulnerable learners and understand the drivers behind absences.
Deeper dive into the impact of SEND, mental health, and external factors on attendance. Explore the vicious cycle between mental health, behavior, and school presence.
Discover proactive strategies for early intervention, creating safe spaces, and addressing attendance concerns holistically. Explore a whole-school approach promoting collaboration, practical solutions, and a culture of mental wellbeing.
KEY LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This masterclass will enable you to:
Understand the concept of the perfect storm created by attendance, mental health and attendance challenges
Explore factors that contribute to low school attendance
More easily identify learners who may be vulnerable
Understand the interplay of mental health, behaviour and attendance
Look in detail at some of the main barriers to attendance, for example SEND, bullying, racism and mental health
Addressing attendance, behaviour, and mental health proactively
Be more able to take steps for early intervention
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Teachers, Pastoral and Attendance Leaders, Senior Leaders This seminar is ideal for educators, school leaders, and anyone invested in student well-being and attendance.
FACILITATOR
Steve Burnage FCCT FRSA M.Ed is an experienced international consultant and trainer who has worked extensively with schools in India and worldwide. Having served over 25 years as a teacher and school leader in the UK, Steve is now in demand as a consultant, trainer, inspector, and author, specialising in the areas of leadership development, effective classroom pedagogy and practice; and school inspection, improvement, and development.
Steve is lead inspector and academic consultant for The British Council and a lead trainer and principal examiner in Educational Leadership for Cambridge International Examinations and The International Baccalaureate.
