Persistent absenteeism among students in West Berkshire has emerged as a notable concern, with the region’s rates of persistent absence surpassing those of neighbouring Reading. While overall school attendance in West Berkshire remains relatively strong at 94.82 percent for the academic year 2024/25, the issue of significant numbers of pupils missing substantial amounts of school is troubling.
The persistent absence rate in West Berkshire stands at 12.65 percent, closely mirroring figures from Reading at 12.3 percent, Bracknell at 12.4 percent, and Buckinghamshire at 12.2 percent. The rise in unauthorised absence, which has increased from 1.05 percent to 1.2 percent, reflects a broader national and regional trend.
The West Berkshire Council attributes these figures to various factors, including growing challenges related to disengagement, unmet needs, and family pressures. The council’s latest school attendance strategy aims to address these issues proactively.
Commitment to Improvement
The council emphasises that while West Berkshire’s attendance performance is promising, complacency is not an option. In a statement, officials noted, “We’re committed to raising aspirations, removing barriers, and ensuring every child is supported to attend, thrive, and succeed.”
According to the council, monitoring attendance closely allows for swift interventions when a child begins to miss school. The importance of early support is underscored by the belief that it leads to better educational outcomes. “We know emotional wellbeing affects attendance,” the council added, highlighting the need for children to have trusted adults and safe spaces where they can talk and feel supported.
The new strategy focuses on listening to children and tailoring approaches to meet individual needs. It calls for the creation of personalised plans that reflect each child’s circumstances. Additionally, the council plans to enhance data collection and hold school meetings to identify potential concerns early.
Supporting Families for Better Attendance
To further assist families, the council is introducing initiatives aimed at improving morning routines, addressing uniform needs, and easing transportation challenges. The strategy also acknowledges the impact of mental health and family dynamics on attendance.
By building strong partnerships with families, West Berkshire aims to foster collaboration that supports children’s attendance and engagement in school. The initiative reflects a holistic approach, recognising that every child learns differently and promoting flexible, inclusive methods to make the school experience positive for all learners.
The commitment to tackling absenteeism represents an important step for West Berkshire, as it seeks to ensure that every child has the opportunity to engage fully in their education.
