Attendance Data
Data plays a crucial role in improving attendance in ELCs and schools by enabling targeted interventions, early identification of issues, and evidence-based decision-making.
1 Early Identification of Patterns
Schools should effectively track attendance data to identify pupils at risk of persistent absence. By analysing trends, they can intervene early to provide support before the issue worsens.
2 Targeted Interventions
Data allows staff to understand individual barriers to attendance, such as mental health concerns, family circumstances, or transport issues. This helps tailor interventions, such as pastoral support, mentoring, or financial assistance.
3 Monitoring the Impact of Strategies
Schools can assess the effectiveness of attendance strategies, such as breakfast clubs or flexible learning options, by comparing attendance rates before and after implementation.
4 Parental and Community Engagement
Sharing attendance insights with parents and communities fosters collaboration. Schools can provide data-driven reports to parents to highlight concerns and suggest joint solutions.
5 Supporting National and Local Policy
Attendance data feeds into local authority and Scottish Government reports, helping shape policy decisions and resource allocation for initiatives that support school engagement.
6 Linking Attendance to Wellbeing
By integrating attendance data with other wellbeing indicators (such as participation, attainment, and behaviour), schools can take a holistic approach to supporting pupils and improving outcomes.
SEEMiS
SEEMiS (Scottish Education Establishment Management Information System) is the main management information system used by Scottish schools. It supports various administrative functions, including pupil records, timetabling, assessment tracking, and attendance monitoring. It is widely used by local authorities and schools to manage and store student data securely.
How SEEMiS Registers Attendance
SEEMiS includes a Period-by-Period and Daily Attendance Module, which allows schools to record and monitor student attendance efficiently.
Electronic Registration: Teachers take attendance using SEEMiS.
Predefined Codes: Attendance is recorded using a standard set of codes (e.g., Present, Late, Authorised Absence, Unauthorised Absence, etc.).
Automated Alerts: SEEMiS can generate alerts for unexplained absences, enabling communication with parents or guardians (e.g., through text messages or emails).
Integration with Local Authorities: The system allows local authorities to monitor attendance patterns.
Reporting and Analysis: Schools can generate reports to track trends in attendance, which can be used for interventions, parental meetings, or compliance with both local and national policies.
DG SEEMiS Guidance
SEEMiS Attendance Webinar
DG SEEMiS Help Sheets
