Hi, my name is Kelly Brockman and I am the Social Worker (Truancy) worker for the Department for Education.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays I am based at Woodville High School (in the Wellbeing Hub) to assist the school to improve student’s school attendance. My goal is to support families and young people to maximize their wellbeing, learning and educational outcomes towards a positive adult future.

Department for Education Legislation and Policy:

  • As per the Education and Children’s Services Act 2019, it is the parents/carers legal responsibility for children and young people aged between 6 to 17 years to attend school every day
  • Habitual non attendance is 5-9 Absent Days in a term – for any reason
  • Chronic non attendance is 10 or more Absent Days in a term – for any reason

Did you know?:

  • Going to school everyday keeps young people:
    • To stay on track and progress academically
    • To participate in social and learning activities
    • Build stronger social and peer connections
    • Learn positive life skills
    • In a safe environment with access to support and services
    • To reach their full potential with a range of life opportunities
    • Promotes positive wellbeing
  • Young People being absent from school:
    • Creates gaps in their learning and miss on important information
    • Makes it harder to catch up on missed work
    • Can create instability, anxiety and distress
    • Miss out on participating in social activities and experiences
    • o Can cause long term difficulties into adulthood

It all adds up:

  • Absent 1 day per fortnight = 1 month of missed learning
  • Absent 1 day per week = 2 months of missed learning
  • Absent 2 days per week = 4 months of missed learning
  • Absent 3 days per week = Over two terms of missed learning

What can parents/carers do?

  • Ensure regular routines – evening, bedtime and morning
  • Encourage healthy meals and physical activities
  • Limit use of electronic devices in the evening
  • Be organised night before – clean uniform; lunch packed; laptop packed etc
  • Leave earlier in the morning in case of any traffic hazards
  • Make appointments and holidays outside of school time
  • Show interest in your child’s learning, school activities and friendships
  • Talk positively about the benefits of school and education
  • Communicate regularly with the school/teacher on your child’s progress

Some Support Options: