We are proud to celebrate Grange, Grove and Woodlands as they achieve Bronze accreditation for Inclusive Attendance, an important milestone for each school and a significant moment for our wider family of 18 schools.
Selected as part of a Shropshire Local Authority pilot alongside 10 other schools and trusts, these three schools have spent the past year on a journey that goes far beyond professional development. This work has focused on embedding a culture of inclusive attendance, where systems, daily practice and staff understanding come together to ensure every child feels a genuine sense of belonging.
Across the year, colleagues have deepened their understanding of attendance through a carefully structured programme, building clarity around roles and responsibilities and aligning practice with current DfE attendance guidance. At the same time, schools have strengthened their systems, ensuring inclusive, relational approaches are consistently reflected in how attendance is promoted, monitored and supported.
Supported by Wayne Harris, the programme combines flexible learning opportunities with a clear, staged implementation model. Staff have engaged with targeted development that is practical and evidence-informed, enabling them to translate learning into meaningful improvements in everyday practice. Alongside this, a wide range of resources and specialist support has helped ensure that changes are embedded and sustained over time.
Crucially, this work has not sat in isolation. The systems and approaches developed through the programme align closely with our well-established Learning for Life Framework, reinforcing our shared commitment to inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity for every child. This alignment has ensured that attendance is not treated as a standalone priority, but as an integral part of how we support children and families across our Trust.
The success of Grange, Grove and Woodlands reflects a deep commitment to our core values, putting children at the centre, improving lives, and creating environments where every child feels seen, safe and supported. Their leadership and openness throughout this journey have helped set a strong example for others to follow.
This is just the beginning. All three schools will now continue their work towards Silver accreditation, further embedding and refining their approach. At the same time, we are excited that the rest of our Trust will begin this journey next academic year, building on the strong foundations already in place.
As a family of 18 schools, this marks an important step forward strengthening a shared culture where everyone takes ownership of attendance and every child feels they truly belong.
