Schools Offer Incentives Like Pizza and iPads to Boost Attendance
A recent report reveals that some schools are using inventive rewards, such as pizza parties and iPads, to motivate pupils to improve school attendance. This approach emerges as an alternative to solely relying on penalties, which are shown to be less effective in addressing pupil absence.
Rewards Outperform Sanctions in Encouraging Attendance
While some educational institutions in England employ traditional disciplinary measures like fines, detentions, and parental letters to combat absenteeism, an increasing number are adopting positive reinforcement strategies. These methods include prize draws for sought-after items like bikes and iPads, exciting excursions, and “praise stamps” which students accumulate and exchange for treats like chocolates or stationery.
Prom Tickets as Attendance Incentive
Furthermore, some schools are leveraging the end-of-year prom as a motivator. Year 11 students are offered tickets to this significant social event, with consistent attendance being a primary requirement for participation.
NFER Study Highlights Effectiveness of Combined Approaches
A study conducted by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) indicates that schools implementing a combination of rewards and sanctions experience greater success in fostering pupil engagement with attendance policies.
Tangible Benefits Drive Pupil Motivation
The NFER report suggests that “Pupils in these schools appeared to be motivated to attend, as they saw a tangible benefit to doing so.” This indicates that positive incentives can be effective in shaping student behavior regarding school presence.
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Sanctions Alone Perceived as Punitive
Conversely, the study found that “those in sanctions-led schools were more likely to perceive attendance policies as punitive and unfair, particularly if they felt their absences were due to circumstances beyond their control.” This highlights the potential negative impact of solely relying on penalties, especially when students feel their absences are justified or unavoidable.
Post-Pandemic Absence Remains a Concern
School absence has become a significant concern for government officials, particularly following the widespread disruptions caused by the pandemic, which led to a decline in attendance rates. The NFER study identifies common reasons for absence, including illness, mental health issues, and holidays taken during term time.
Rising Levels of Severe Absence in England
Recent data from the Department for Education demonstrates a concerning trend. The number of “severely absent” pupils in England reached a record high in the past year. Simultaneously, unauthorised absences have also shown an overall increase, indicating a complex challenge for schools and policymakers.
Debate Over Effectiveness of Parental Fines
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has publicly supported the use of parental fines for non-attendance, which were recently increased from £60 to £80. However, this approach has faced criticism. In a media interview, actress Anna Maxwell Martin described these fines as “cruel and idiotic,” highlighting the ongoing debate surrounding punitive measures.
NFER Recommends Encouraging and Individualised Strategies
Matt Walker, NFER senior research manager and report co-author, emphasizes the link between attendance and academic success: “Attendance is strongly linked to educational outcomes, so it’s concerning that absence rates remain high.” Walker further suggests, “The study responses suggest schools should consider prioritising encouraging and individualised approaches in addition to punitive sanctions.”
Study Methodology
The NFER study, titled “Voices from the Classroom – understanding how secondary schools support pupils returning from absence,” involved a survey of 600 secondary school teachers and leaders across England. It also included direct interviews with staff and pupils in nine state-funded secondary schools to gather in-depth perspectives.
Union Leaders Advocate for Support Over Punitive Measures
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, stated that “The message is clear: fines, punitive action and bribery are not working.” Kebede points to underlying issues, asserting, “More students are struggling with anxiety and unmet SEND [special educational needs and disabilities] needs leading to increased absence, and fewer are getting the individual support, specialist input and pastoral backup they need to return to and remain in school.”
Individualised Pupil Support is Crucial
Pepe Di’Iasio, General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders, acknowledges the role of both rewards and sanctions, saying, “Appropriate rewards and sanctions have their part to play, but individualised support that quickly identifies why a pupil is absent from school, and helps them to return to the classroom as soon as possible, can be hugely effective.”
Limitations of Fines in Improving Attendance
Paul Whiteman, General Secretary of the National Association of Head Teachers, echoes concerns about the overuse of penalties, stating, “These findings echo what school leaders tell us about the severe limitations of parental fines in improving pupil attendance.” This reinforces the report’s overall message that a more nuanced and supportive approach to school attendance is needed.