Conversation opener
“I’ve noticed that your attendance has started to slip. This isn’t a telling-off — I want to understand what is getting in the way and agree one small step that will help you be in school more consistently.”
Year 9 · Consistent tutor response
Tutor Intervention Toolkit
Choose the concern. Get a calm conversation script, focused questions, a practical intervention and a clear follow-up.
Safeguarding comes first. If a student discloses harm, risk or abuse, stop the intervention route and follow the school’s safeguarding procedure immediately. Do not promise confidentiality.
Step 2 · Ready to use
Attendance slipping
Early check-in when attendance begins to fall
Questions to ask
Have you noticed a pattern in the days or mornings you miss?
Is anything at school making it harder to come in?
Is there anything outside school affecting your attendance?
Who is the adult in school you would feel most comfortable checking in with?
What would make tomorrow morning a little easier?
Suggested intervention
10-day attendance reset
Agree one realistic attendance target for the next 10 school days.
Arrange a brief morning check-in with the tutor or another trusted adult.
Identify one practical barrier and the person responsible for helping remove it.
Recognise each successful day promptly and privately.
Follow-up action
Record the conversation and agreed action using the usual school system.
Check attendance after five school days and acknowledge improvement.
Review the target after 10 school days.
Refer through the school attendance process if absence continues or the barrier needs wider support.
Important: Do not diagnose or promise an outcome. Pass medical, welfare or safeguarding information to the appropriate member of staff.
Keep records factual, use approved school systems, and share only the information needed with the appropriate staff.