As you may be aware, the Department has been working closely with Northern Education Trust, as part of the attendance action alliance, to set up the first school attendance hub.

The hub is based around North Shore Academy (recently graded outstanding in all categories by Ofsted, having risen from Requires Improvement in 3 years). As part of the hub, North Shore have shared all of their key materials and attendance resources, and have been supporting school leaders in around 60 secondary schools to make changes to their practice.

The DfE are looking to expand the attendance hubs programme. New attendance hubs will be led by senior leaders in schools with strong attendance practice, in some of the largest trusts in the country. As part of the programme, these schools will also share, in-depth, their strategies and resources for improving attendance.

After Easter (w/c 17^th April) the DfE intend open up applications to schools to express an interest in being supported by a hub.

Schools of all types and phases will be eligible for support and further details will be available from the DfE after the Easter holidays.

Members who may wish to encourage schools they work with to participate.