On Wednesday, 7 May, the University’s GM Policy Hub will be hosting an in-person seminar on supporting schools to increase school attendance.

Persistent rates of school absences have increased considerably since the COVID-19 pandemic, with no sign of returning to pre-pandemic levels. Levels of school absence are proven to be higher in disadvantaged areas, with rates of unauthorised absence 34% higher in the North of England than the South.

Improving school attendance is a key priority for schools, education policymakers, and local authorities, as regular attendance is widely recognised as a key component of learning and educational achievement.

How can local authorities take an evidence-informed approach to work with parents and schools to support attendance? Research from The University of Manchester has explored school absence, developing and implementing a localised approach to school attendance difficulties, which could effectively inform future policy and practice in mainstream schools and alternative provision.

Come along to this seminar to hear from Professor Caroline Bond, Senior Lecturer in the Manchester Institute of Education, and Dr Matthew Fletcher, Educational and Child Psychologist at Wirral Council.

This in-person event will take place at the University on Wednesday, 7 May from 1.00 – 2.30pm (with registration and a light lunch from 12.30pm)

• To register: email policy@manchester.ac.uk with your name, job title, organisation, and any dietary or access requirements or support needs.
• Find out more on the Policy@Manchester website.