An Evaluation of Strategies and Professional Development Needs on Attendance Issues within an LEA

This is the first article to focus specifically on an evaluation of the existing strategic policies and related professional development needs on attendance within an LEA. Such evaluations are becoming more important as LEAs respond to their first ever OFSTED and prepare for follow-up visits and/or second inspections. Recent evidence suggests that attendance issues are becoming central to overall outcomes in OFSTED visits and in their subsequent reports to LEAs.
This paper outlines the evidence from recent international and British research, considers the national scene and role of the education welfare service and then examines existing practice on attendance within an LEA. The findings of an in-depth investigation into attendance issues within the LEA are then presented followed by key recommendations, an analysis of professional training needs as well as providing evidence on the LEA's progress since these training needs have been fulfilled.