Seven schools in Knowsley have been part of a Department for Education pilot – called the Watchtower Project – which targets persistent pupil absenteeism.
The project, delivered through Barnado’s, commenced in October 2023 and Attendance Mentors work with pupils who are identified as persistently or severely absent from school.
Evaluation of the initial phase of the project has found that 76% of pupils who have completed the 20 week support programme have improved their attendance.
Mentors meet with pupils on a weekly basis and provide them with bespoke support to both them and their families over the 20 week period.
Through this regular engagement, Mentors are able to identify and address barriers to pupil attendance through personalised one-one-one support. As well as identifying issues, Mentors are able to facilitate good relationships between the pupils and the school, pupils and their family and their family and the school.
As a result of this targeted approach, 76% of participants have improved their school attendance.
Cllr David Lonergan, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said “Regular school attendance is so important for our children and young people.
“It not only provides opportunities to learn and develop, but it also provides opportunities for developing new interests, enjoying new experiences as well as social interactions and making friends.
“Falling behind on school attendance will create gaps in their learning which could impact on their confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing.
“I’m delighted that we have been able to take part in the Department for Education’s programme which has provided our schools with a dedicated resource to effective tackle absenteeism.
“The results so far have been extremely positive and I look forward to seeing this programme deliver further successes over the coming months.”