West Berkshire is grappling with rising rates of persistent absenteeism among students, surpassing figures in nearby Reading. While overall school attendance in the region remains relatively strong, with a rate of 94.82 percent in the 2024/25 academic year, the council has highlighted that a notable number of pupils are missing significant amounts of school.
The persistent absence rate in West Berkshire stands at 12.65 percent, closely mirroring neighboring areas such as Reading at 12.3 percent, Bracknell at 12.4 percent, and Buckinghamshire at 12.2 percent. Additionally, unauthorized absence rates have slightly increased, with West Berkshire rising from 1.05 percent to 1.2 percent. These trends reflect a broader national and regional concern regarding disengagement and unmet needs among students.
Council’s Commitment to Improve Attendance
The West Berkshire Council has expressed optimism about the overall attendance performance but acknowledges the need for ongoing efforts. In their latest school attendance strategy, they emphasized a commitment to enhancing student engagement and supporting families. “We’re committed to raising aspirations, removing barriers, and ensuring every child is supported to attend, thrive, and succeed,” stated a council representative.
The council aims to monitor attendance closely to enable quick interventions when a child begins to miss school. “Early help means better outcomes,” they explained. Recognizing that emotional wellbeing significantly influences attendance, the council is focused on ensuring that children have trusted adults and safe spaces where they can express themselves and feel supported.
Personalized Approaches for Student Engagement
West Berkshire’s new strategy places a strong emphasis on listening to children and tailoring support to meet individual needs. Plans include developing personalized approaches that reflect the unique circumstances of each student. The council intends to leverage data and school meetings to identify attendance concerns early, while providing assistance to families with morning routines, uniforms, and transport.
The strategy also addresses underlying factors such as mental health and family dynamics that can impact attendance. “Families are key partners,” the council stated, highlighting the importance of building strong relationships to facilitate better engagement and support for children’s educational journeys.
By focusing on these areas, West Berkshire aims to improve attendance rates and ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in their educational pursuits.
