Case Studies
Below is a selection of case studies demonstrating how we work in partnership with schools and families to improve attendance and punctuality.
Our approach is always bespoke, shaped by the individual needs of each school and the families they serve, with the clear objective of securing rapid, sustainable improvements in attendance and punctuality.
Secondary School – Croydon
The Client
Following a recent Ofsted inspection, the school was judged to Require Improvement. The inspection highlighted that whole-school attendance was significantly below the national average, with attendance for pupils eligible for Pupil Premium substantially lower than that of their peers.
The Challenge
The school was experiencing:
- Low overall attendance
- High levels of persistent absence
- Families with historic poor attendance, alongside genuine welfare concerns
Our Solution
TEAM Education Welfare Services provided a dedicated Education Welfare Officer (EWO) alongside a Family Liaison Officer. Together, they delivered targeted support for families with complex welfare needs, while also robustly challenging parentally condoned absence.
Our EWO also introduced a strategic approach to attendance, identifying vulnerable groups and advising senior leaders on targeted actions to support improvement.
The Outcome
This high-impact intervention led to measurable improvements within weeks.
The consistent EWO presence, combined with family support, shifted attitudes towards attendance across the school community.
Half-termly impact and analysis reports were produced and reviewed with the Attendance Lead to ensure progress was sustained.
The school’s attendance is now above the national average.
Primary School – Surrey
The Client
A family with four children across Year 5, Year 4, Reception, and Nursery.
Upon transferring to the school, the family was already known to have a long history of poor attendance and punctuality.
Our Solution
Our EWO attended a Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting and worked with the parent to develop a Parent Contract and tailored education plan. Clear, measurable targets were set for attendance and punctuality, alongside support for the parent to access appropriate services for herself.
With parental consent, the EWO also liaised with the family GP regarding the eldest child’s medical condition, which was confirmed not to require significant time away from school.
The Outcome
Following the implementation of the Parent Contract, attendance improved significantly.
- The Year 5, Year 4, and Reception children are no longer within EWO intervention thresholds
- All three achieved 100% attendance in the most recent half term
- No unauthorised absence or lateness codes were recorded
The parent reported that the intervention helped her establish a structured daily routine, leading to improved attendance, engagement, and attainment for her children.
Primary School – Sussex
The Client
A Reception-aged child of statutory school age.
The Challenge
Historical poor attendance and persistent lateness had been identified during the child’s time in nursery and became an immediate concern upon entry into Reception.
Our Solution
Our EWO began working with the family in October and identified contributing factors including the child’s health and the parent’s role as a carer for her own mother.
Support was provided to:
- Access Local Authority assistance for the parent’s caring responsibilities
- Ensure appropriate medical evidence was supplied when the child was genuinely unwell
Despite this, attendance continued to decline. A Parent Contract was therefore introduced, with parental consent for the EWO to liaise directly with the family GP. The legal implications of continued poor attendance were clearly explained.
The Outcome
During the most recent term, the child has attended school every day, with no unauthorised absence or lateness recorded. Attendance levels are now improving, and the EWO will continue to monitor and support the family to ensure progress is maintained.