Agenda item

Janet Lloyd Exclusions & Community Education Manager in attendance to support this item, Report to follow

Councillor Smith opened the meeting by introducing the Bury Attendance Partnership report. She explained that responsibility for school attendance had shifted from Education Welfare Officers to schools themselves, and praised Janet Lloyd for her leadership in taking a collaborative and strategic approach. Janet has been actively involved in attendance groups and has worked to ensure that the partnership is embedded across the academic year.

Janet Lloyd provided further detail, explaining that the approach has involved a wide range of stakeholders and has placed student voice at the centre. A survey was conducted with over 2,400 students using Microsoft Teams Forms, with most completing it as a homework task. The data was broken down by year group and gender, and covered issues such as transport, safety, and wellbeing. Workshops were held in schools to explore these themes further, and student councils were engaged to help act on the findings.

Councillor Arif asked how students were involved in the survey and how the data was collected. Janet explained the process and highlighted that the survey had been designed to be accessible and inclusive. However, when asked about neurodivergent students, she noted that the survey did not include a question to identify neurodivergence, so this data could not be disaggregated. Councillor Smith added that the “Change Makers” youth group, which works alongside the SEND improvement programme, helps to ensure that the voices of young people with additional needs are heard in strategic discussions.

The conversation then turned to menstrual health and its impact on attendance. Janet shared that some girls reported missing school due to their periods, and that a support group is being developed in partnership with health services to address this. Councillor Farooq mentioned the Lily Pads community group, which provides sanitary products, and stressed the importance of reducing embarrassment and stigma. Councillor Smith agreed, noting that while schools say they provide sanitary products, girls still feel uncomfortable asking for them. As a result, peer support groups are being set up, particularly for Year 7 and 8 students, to help normalise these conversations and empower young people to support one another.

Councillor Fitzgerald raised concerns about the rise in elective home education and asked how the council ensures that children are still receiving an education. Janet explained that the council maintains an updated website and holds regular attendance forums. A multi-agency panel meets fortnightly under Section 19 policy to review referrals, and information is also gathered from other services such as housing. Councillor Smith emphasised the importance of safeguarding in these cases and ensuring that national policy is implemented locally. Janet added that the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) plays a key role in these decisions and that wraparound support is available for families.

Councillor Berry requested access to the survey questions and data on excluded and suspended children. Janet confirmed that she would circulate the materials following the meeting.

Councillor Boles asked about the safeguarding assurances linked to the attendance pledge. Janet responded that regular stakeholder meetings are now well attended, and three sub-groups have been created to address emerging issues. The pledge will continue to evolve, with branding and logos being developed to support its visibility. Councillor Boles also asked about the involvement of health services. Janet confirmed that there has been strong collaboration, particularly around elective home education, although Councillor Smith acknowledged that there are still challenges in aligning health and education services and ensuring adequate funding.

Joanne Burns Union member raised the issue of transport and its impact on attendance for children with SEND. Janet confirmed that transport had been identified as a barrier in the survey and that this led to the formation of a sub-group involving the police and other partners. Joanne also asked whether data was available on looked after children. Janet explained that this data is monitored anonymously through the Virtual School.

There was further discussion about how the work could be embedded at a Greater Manchester level, particularly in relation to Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Councillor Smith stressed the importance of capturing young people’s voices carefully and building trust, especially given the fear some may have of social services involvement.

Finally, Joanne Burns suggested extending the survey to parents, particularly those who may face language barriers. Janet confirmed that this is being trialled in primary schools, with the aim of improving parental engagement and understanding attendance challenges from a family perspective.

It was agreed:

·         To note the report, and thanks Janet for her contribution to the meeting

·         To circulate survey questions and results.