Case Study: Attendance Support

Learn all about One Education Attendance Support in this case study. We explore how Elton Primary School has worked with One Education’s Attendance Team to improve attendance, increasing capacity, refining processes, and strengthening family engagement. 

Setting the Scene

Following the COVID‑19 pandemic, Elton Primary School – like many others – experienced a significant rise in overall absence, with a particular increase in both persistent and severe absence. Despite the strategies that were already in place, it became clear that the disruption caused by the pandemic had created entrenched patterns of non‑attendance that required a more targeted and specialist approach.

School leaders recognised the need for expert guidance to help reverse these trends, re‑engage families, and rebuild strong attendance habits across their community. They sought support from One Education based on the Attendance Team’s specialist knowledge and capacity. As Headteacher Carolyn Ashworth explains, this offered exactly the kind of structured, evidence‑based support needed to improve attendance and ensure that every pupil had the best possible chance to thrive:

“We chose One Education because of their proven track record in improving school attendance and their deep understanding of the challenges that emerged after the pandemic. Their approach stood out as both strategic and relational: they combine robust data analysis with practical, hands‑on support for schools, pupils, and families.

We were particularly drawn to their specialist expertise in tackling persistent and severe absence, as well as their ability to tailor their work to the specific context of each school. It was clear from the outset that they could offer the level of guidance, capacity, and professional insight needed to help us make meaningful and sustained improvements.”

Our Approach

A dedicated Attendance Adviser delivers half a day of support each week. During their time in school, they carry out a wide range of attendance‑focused tasks, including checking registers, speaking directly with children and parents, making phone calls, completing home visits, supporting us with Local Authority requirements, sending punctuality and attendance letters, and meeting with parents to address concerns and agree next steps.

“The staff we have worked with from One Education have consistently been friendly, professional, hard‑working, and well‑organised. They have taken the time to understand our school context and have quickly become a valued part of our wider team. Their presence each week has strengthened our capacity and ensured that attendance remains a high‑priority, well‑supported area of our work.”

The Results

• Reversing Trends: The school has seen a significant and measurable improvement in attendance. Their overall attendance is now above the national average, and persistent absence has reduced to a level that is now below national figures. Importantly, they no longer have any severely absent children.

• Re-Engaging Families: Our Advisers have taken the time to build genuine, trusting relationships with families. They develop a deep understanding of each individual circumstance and maintain contact with families they have previously supported, which has helped create continuity and reassurance. This relational approach has strengthened engagement and contributed to the positive reputation they have developed within the school community.

• Rebuilding A Strong Culture of Attendance: There has been a notable shift in how attendance is prioritised across the school. Both parents and pupils have an increased understanding of the importance of regular attendance. This shared commitment has helped to promote good attendance habits, contributing towards a safe and supportive school culture.

These improvements reflect the impact of the consistent, targeted attendance support provided by the Attendance Advisers and the strengthened systems and relationships that have been developed as part of the partnership.

Looking Forwards

With strong foundations now in place, Elton Primary School is well-positioned to sustain these improvements and continue building on its success. 

“The impact of One Education’s Attendance Support has been huge. Their expertise, consistency, and relationship‑focused approach have made a significant difference to our attendance, and I would confidently recommend One Education to any school looking to improve outcomes in this area.

The Attendance Advisers we have worked with have been exceptional. Chris and Ella have taken the time to fully understand the needs of our school and have an excellent ability to engage and support parents effectively. Jess has also been incredibly approachable. Their combined professionalism, warmth, and commitment have made a real difference, and we feel very fortunate to have their support.”

Explore our Attendance Support Services here.