Estyn Podcast - Sgwrs Sgwrs - Episode 4 - The ongoing concerns around attendance in schools
Nov 27, 2025
Ian Lloyd, Headteacher at St. Teilo's Church in Wales High School, and Paul Warren, local authority lead for school improvement, discuss pressing concerns around school attendance. They delve into the complexities of post-COVID challenges, including student anxiety and the need for a supportive school culture. Ian outlines innovative interventions, while Paul emphasizes data-driven approaches. Both guests advocate for high-quality, engaging teaching and a collective effort to improve attendance, making it a priority across schools and authorities.
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Attendance Is A People Problem
- Attendance problems are complex "people issues" linked to mental health, poverty, assessment delays and loss of public trust.
- Ian Lloyd argues culture and belonging must come first to make children want to attend school.
Treat Absence As A Learning Need
- Treat poor attendance as a learning need and use a person-centred plan-do-review pathway tailored to each child.
- Start assessments with the child's voice, then involve parents, teachers and targeted interventions.
Use Shared Data And Targeted Training
- Use monthly shared data across schools to spot trends, compare similar schools and identify effective practice to copy.
- Break training into role-specific sessions so staff get practical, relevant skills.