“Synergy provide an invaluable service. They are efficient and flexible in supporting the academy in dealing with the fluctuating needs of pupils. On many occasions, Synergy have been able to break down barriers with families allowing for improved dialogue and communication. Their care and knowledge of the pupils is instrumental in the academy maintaining outstanding levels of attendance and thus academic achievement.”

Vice Principal, Mossbourne Community Academy

“I took over attendance as senior leader at Haggerston School two years ago at a time when our attendance had dropped concerningly below national average for the two previous years. Synergy helped us to examine all aspects of our attendance procedures and supported the school through various changes offering support and expertise. Their assistance has also been invaluable with regards training and supporting Heads of Year with regards effective strategies for supporting student attendance. We are now back to national average and have secure foundations to grow this even further.”

Assistant Head, Haggerston School

“SEWS has helped to support the school in actively increasing our attendance. Persistent Absenteeism has also decreased since SEWS have been working with the school. The tailored approach has enabled targeted intervention to engage parents and families. The broad knowledge of the attendance officer has helped the school to keep on track with its aim to improve attendance. The advice available also allows the school to respond quickly to any drop-in pupils attendance. We would recommend the service for other schools.”

Headteacher, Parkwood Primary School

“We have been using Synergy Education Welfare Services for a number of years and we continue to be impressed with its approach to improving school attendance and safeguarding children and their families. SEWS is always ‘on-call’ to answer questions and works hard to manage a varied case load, building key relationships with families and school staff. The school’s EWO is an important point of contact with families and they ensure all safeguarding concerns are followed up effectively and communicated to the school. The EWO quickly gained an insight into the reasons for children’s non-attendance through regular meetings at school and they provided help and advice about the next steps to support improvement. The work of SEWS has had a positive impact on attendance. Indeed, our Ofsted report (June 2019) stated that attendance was consistently above the national average and the systems for monitoring attendance were a strength of the school. This is testament to our long-standing partnership with SEWS and the impact of their work over the years.”

Headteacher, Sir Thomas Abney Primary School