Strategic approaches to tackling school absenteeism and truancy: the traffic lights (TL) scheme

Some secondary schools have experienced significant problems related to pupils' attendance over a considerable period of time. Therefore, it has proved necessary to start to develop and implement innovative long-term strategic approaches to tackling truancy and other forms of non-attendance from school. This article focuses upon the traffic lights (TL) scheme which has been formulated to monitor and manage pupils' attendance within schools in a more controlled manner. The conventional approach to introducing the TL scheme is described. This is followed by two variations of the scheme adapted by schools for their own purposes. Evidence from each of the three utilisations of the TL scheme has suggested that overall attendance within the schools has been significantly improved with gains of around 8% reported. Finally, the article illustrates how the TL scheme can be adapted to help reduce potential cases of exclusion.