Improving school attendance and persistent absence
What works, and what the Bury and Sefton analyses found.
Read the guideBehaviour and attendance
Behaviour and attendance: guidance for schools
How wellbeing drives attendance and behaviour, and what the evidence shows.
When children feel like they belong, they turn up ready to learn
Attendance and behaviour are often the first signs that a child's needs aren't being met. When children understand their emotions and have the tools to manage them, they're more settled, more engaged and more likely to be in school. The guides on this page explain what the evidence shows and the practical steps that make a difference for every child.
How attendance and wellbeing are linked
The research tells us that children with unmet social, emotional and mental health needs are seven times more likely to miss 15 or more days of school. By supporting children's wellbeing, we know that behaviour and attendance will improve too.
Explore the resources
Explore the topic further in the guides below.
Reducing exclusions and trauma-informed schools
Preventing escalation before it leads to exclusion.
Read the guideHow myHappymind helps
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From our schools
The impact is evident across the school community: calmer environments, more confident children and a stronger sense of belonging for all.
Governor Whitchurch CofE Primary School 
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From our schools
The programme has had a measurable positive influence on attendance, engagement, behaviour, and overall school culture. It has helped us create an environment where both children and adults feel supported, valued, and equipped to thrive.
Headteacher Carlyle Infant and Nursery Academy 
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From our schools
myHappymind has become a cornerstone of our whole-school approach to mental health and wellbeing. The positive impact on our children has been visible since the start of the programme.
Headteacher Whitefield Primary School 