How to improve school attendance for disadvantaged children

[Warrigal]

First find out why they aren't attending and then do something to fix the problem.
If the problem is that they lack clean clothes to wear, then see that their clothes can get washed at school.

I think this is a brilliant approach that targets disadvantage because if it simple, practical and helps kids to better school outcomes.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com.au/en...57b1dbe0e4b07184041200be?utm_hp_ref=good-news

 

[Ruthanne]

That is really good that they got washers and dryers to clean and dry the kids clothes. I wouldn't want to go to school with dirty clothes either. Kids are self conscious about themselves and need to feel clean and good about themselves.

 

[Capt Lightning]

My elder daughter is a senior lecturer in education and she told me about a visit to a school in a 'deprived area'. She asked the headteacher what one thing contributed most to improved attendance. He said that it was the decision to bring catering in-house (as opposed to being contracted to an outside company) and to make sure that each child had a good midday meal. This resulted in better attendance and also less disruption in class in the afternoons.

 

[debbie in seattle]

My daughter was a school resource officer and would visit some of the kids 'homes' to find out why they weren't at school. She was taken aback to find kids living in hotels, having to miss school to babysit the younger members of their family, parents who were non existent and/or addicts, hookers, etc. It all starts at home.

 

[mitchezz]

In Australia we have a charity called The Smith Family. One of their programs is for sponsors to donate a set amount each month that provides all necessary school needs........excursions, uniforms, elective subject costs etc. I think it's a great idea as I like to see donations being used in a practical way.