Blog | Attendance – Every Day Makes a Difference!

Carolyn Harkness, SIL Attendance Partner and former school leader, reflects on the launch of SIL’s new Attendance Quality Mark (AQM) - a practical, evidence-based framework to help schools promote and improve whole-school attendance whilst meeting heightened inspection expectations.

“Schools that have good attendance recognise it’s an integral part of their ethos and culture.

They also know that it’s a learned behaviour, and that developing good habits early is key! 

As a former school leader, I understand the challenge. Absence and punctuality are rarely simple; they’re often symptoms of deeper issues. But schools play a vital role in identifying those underlying causes and acting early.

The data speaks for itself: DfE research shows that pupils with 95%+ attendance are far more likely to achieve strong GCSE results. Even small improvements can make a big difference at every stage of education.

So, it’s no surprise that Ofsted’s new framework (from November 2025) puts attendance front and centre.
Inspectors will expect to see “clear and effective behaviour and attendance policies… applied consistently and fairly by all staff,” and that “pupils have high attendance, come on time to school and are punctual to lessons”. 

Schools must also be able to demonstrate clear, consistent policies, proactive systems, accurate data monitoring, and strong collaboration with families and external agencies.

In response, SIL has created an Attendance Quality Mark (AQM).

A structured way to embed best practice. It focuses on early intervention, shared accountability, and data-driven action - exactly what’s needed to turn the tide. 

It aligns seamlessly with Ofsted priorities: high expectations for all, accurate tracking, and visible improvement in key pupil groups.

Compliance to Culture!

I’m proud to champion the AQM. This isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about creating a culture of belonging and high expectations, where attendance is everyone’s business and every child feels supported to succeed.

The AQM approach supports with practical steps that can make a difference from day one! 

o    Make sure every staff member knows their role in promoting attendance.
o    Treat attendance as a safeguarding priority - act early, every day.
o    Provide clear, user-friendly guidance so staff give consistent messages.
o    Ensure first-day response happens for every pupil, every time.
o    Resource one high-impact area, for example SLT meetings with PA parents or carry out home visits.
o    Be supportive but firm: high expectations, no excuses.
o    Challenge poor punctuality while understanding individual circumstances.
o    Welcome pupils back warmly and help them catch up emotionally and academically.

 

AQM Pilot Feedback:

“Many thanks for your visit today. Robust yet friendly challenge, alongside an open and honest discussion around the barriers and next steps – which is the key to improvement. Your approach helps make the seemingly impossible seem more manageable and has the benefit of challenging, celebrating and energising the team which is vital.”

 

If you’re preparing for inspection or want an effective approach to promoting and improving whole-school attendance, the AQM offers schools the opportunity to develop their strategic leadership, inclusive practices and strong family partnerships, leading to a culture of belonging with high expectations."