In this piece, Director at Thrive, Tom Preston, explores the insights and reflections from our first SEG Insights MAT Leader roundtable, looking at the challenges schools face around attendance and behaviour, and the practical strategies that can make a real difference for pupils.
MAT and school leaders from across the country joined us at our London office for the first SEG Insights MAT Leader roundtable. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from leaders about the challenges they face – and the successes they’ve seen in their schools and trusts.
“We are currently reviewing our inclusion strategy and lots from today will be food for thought for our future actions.”
Roundtable participant
Thinking beyond the numbers
We started the day by looking at the latest government data on attendance, exclusions and alternative provision. While the overall picture can feel disheartening, it quickly became clear that not all absence is the same. Many pupils in the 95% attendance bracket are missing occasional days – often Fridays – which can be addressed through clearer expectations, consistent communication with parents and helping them understand the link between attendance and learning outcomes.
For pupils with more persistent absence, the challenge isn’t simply “fixing the number.” These cases often reflect complex underlying reasons – SEMH needs, SEND challenges or family pressures – that require tailored, relational approaches. Focusing only on attendance statistics risks plastering over individual needs, whereas addressing the root causes can have a far more positive impact on education outcomes and long-term life chances.
Culture, belonging and small gestures
Later, the conversation turned to culture. We discussed how pupils thrive when they feel seen, valued and connected to their school community. Simple gestures – a warm greeting in the corridor, a conversation about what a pupil is watching or reading, or consistent pastoral support – can make all the difference.
“A very worthwhile event which really sparked ideas and professional thinking“
Roundtable participant
This is exactly where Supporting Education Group can support schools. Through leadership coaching, staff training, and evidence-informed programmes such as the Thrive Approach – which, as Jennie Giovanelli from Brooke Weston Trust noted, “is the only programme that is evidence-informed” – we help schools embed relational approaches that foster inclusion, connection and a sense of belonging.
Supporting families during periods of transition
The transition from primary to secondary was a recurring theme. Leaders described how pupils often struggle with the leap, and how secondary schools can underestimate the scale of this change. Early intervention, strong pastoral support and proactive parental engagement were cited as being crucial to help these young pupils, who, at the end of the day, are only six weeks older than they were at primary, adjust and settle in.
We heard inspiring examples of strategies that have worked: trusts using hybrid curricula, targeted Year 7 literacy programmes and thoughtful pastoral approaches that gradually help pupils re-engage with school.
Family Thrive was also mentioned as being helpful for parents during this period of transition. It’s a short course that schools run for parents and carers to help them understand the Thrive Approach and how it makes a difference to the wellbeing of children – and therefore the whole family.
Systemic challenges and opportunities
One of the key reflections from the day was that attendance challenges don’t exist in a vacuum. Funding pressures, inconsistent SEND processes and gaps in infrastructure all shape what schools can realistically achieve. Yet despite these challenges, leaders shared practical strategies and small successes – reminders that even incremental change can have a big impact.
At Supporting Education Group, we recognise that support from Local Authorities is not consistent across the country. We help trusts and schools take matters into their own hands – navigating systemic pressures and embedding sustainable, evidence-informed strategies.
Looking ahead
Our first roundtable sparked rich conversation, shared insights and plenty of ideas to take back to school. It reminded everyone that attendance is more than a metric – it’s a reflection of culture, relationships and support systems.
We’re excited to continue this conversation in future roundtables, exploring challenges, sharing strategies and supporting schools to create environments where every pupil can engage, thrive and succeed.
View the schedule and register your interest for future roundtables on our website.