Reimagining School Attendance with Stephen Logan | In This Together

Find out more about our Leader Resources https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/m8jyb 

Mental Health Behaviour and Attendance Resource https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/129pkb 

How to Manage Staff Attendance https://www.twinkl.co.uk/r/19bew1 

Find out more about Stephen’s work here:

Website https://hsa.harbourlearningtrust.com/

Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephentlogan/

6 Quick things about attendance: https://www.independentthinking.co.uk/resources/six-quick-things-on-attendance/

Description

In this episode of In This Together, host Becky Dawson sits down with Stephen Logan, the proud principal of Healing Academy in North East Lincolnshire, to explore a refreshing, human approach to school attendance. Moving away from the rigid data chase that often leaves leaders feeling pressured, Stephen explains how his philosophy of care, inclusion, and standards helps rebuild engagement from the ground up. They discuss shifting from compliance to curiosity, the profound impact of quality first teaching, and the systemic challenges surrounding educational funding and outreach.

This deep dive offers valuable insights for school leaders looking to implement sustainable behaviour management and foster genuine community well-being. By prioritizing human relationships over percentages, educators can understand the root complexities of severe absence—such as mental health and family context—and create a school environment where young people truly feel they belong.

Takeaways

• Human connection as an attendance driver: Prioritize meaningful, daily interactions with students and staff over immediate compliance checks to build momentum and psychological safety.
• Quality first teaching builds belonging: Getting students through the door is only half the battle; an engaging curriculum and excellent classroom delivery create the intrinsic motivation for them to return.
• Ditch the silver bullets and fads: Avoid wasting public funds on quick-fix motivators or exclusive rewards like prom bans, focusing instead on inclusive strategies and robust careers education.
• The systemic need for targeted funding: True outreach and bridging work with disadvantaged families require sustainable financial resource to employ dedicated pastoral staff.
• Lead with brave, value-driven actions: Educational leaders must remain courageous, staying obsessed with empathetic processes rather than just the final data outcomes.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction - Becky Dawson introduces the podcast and guest Stephen Logan, principal of Healing Academy.

01:05 - Stephen's Journey to Leadership - Discovering a passion for serving others and entering principalship through a relational lens.

01:50 - The Pressure of Attendance Data - Addressing the systemic scrutiny leaders face and shifting focus to human relationships.

02:40 - Driving Momentum Through Connection - How simple morning greetings and trusted adults uncover the root causes of absence.

06:34 - Defining True Belonging in Education - Combining a house system, joy, and quality first teaching to inspire curiosity.

11:04 - Empathy Over Compliance - Why chasing figures fails and how understanding unique family context changes the dynamic.

14:33 - The Flaw of Reward Fads & Prom Bans - Evaluating inclusive attendance policies versus exclusionary quick fixes.

16:48 - Systemic Accountability and Funding - The crucial need for financial resource to support pastoral staff and outreach.

21:02 - Igniting Curiosity Through Careers - Embedding career strategies early to help students see purpose in school.

21:59 - Takeaways for Tomorrow & Outro - Final leadership advice on being brave, and how to connect with the podcast.

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Have thoughts, questions, or brilliant practice to share from your own setting? Drop us an email at teamwellbeing@twinkl.co.uk.