About Us - A Star Attendance

With over 60 years of combined experience in schools and local authorities, the A Star Attendance Team are trusted experts in managing and improving attendance.

Passionate, proven, and ready to make a difference.

What We Do

A Star Attendance Solutions Ltd work with schools, academy trusts and other services to promote high levels of attendance and punctuality to further raise levels of pupil achievement and to prevent truancy and disaffection.

Meet the Team

Our Team consists of friendly, approachable and trustworthy professionals with a passion for supporting you to maximise your school’s potential through pupil attendance monitoring.

Jill Robson

Director

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Hello, I’m Jill Robson, founder of A Star Attendance Solutions.

Up until six years ago I had worked for over twenty-two years for a local authority as an Attendance Officer, I decided to take a depth breath, leave my job and start A Star Attendance Solutions using my breadth of experience and skills.

I have always been passionate about school attendance as I believe that non- school attendance is just a symptom of further concerns, and that with early identification these issues are more likely to be resolved.

I decided to create The A Star System to support schools to manage their attendance in a transparent, fair and robust way, which hopefully means that no child’s non-attendance will go under the radar. As a parent myself, I implicitly understand the importance of education and school attendance.

I am married with two children and I have four beautiful grandchildren. During my spare time I have a special hobby which involves touring the UK and Europe with my family in my campervan. During this wonderful time, I love walking in the countryside and relaxing in cosy county pubs. I also enjoy eating out and socialising with my friends.

Chris Manders

Lead Developer

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I’ve been interested in technology and engineering since I was a child, and have a strong career progressing through IT Support into Software Development where I channel that interest into engineering software solutions.

I take a lot of pride in my work having a positive impact on people, and A Star Attendance absolutely ticks that box as with every new development I can hear the team talking about the real world impact it’s having on our young people.

My life isn’t all about IT though, at home I dabble in woodworking and metalworking. I mostly end up making things for the workshop, but I have made my own sofa and coffee table!

Melissa Warwick

Operations Manager

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I come to A Star Attendance Solutions from a leadership background in Education having had over 9 years’ experience of working within the sector and strategically leading Whole School Attendance Improvement across two schools in Sunderland, North East England. Having previous senior leadership roles with responsibility for attendance and inclusion, I am passionate about improving attendance rates and implementing innovative approaches to improve outcomes for students, and know the impact attendance to school has on these outcomes. I have always been invested in Education and hold a BA Hons in Education and Music.

As a previous user of the A Star Attendance System, I know how impactful the system is for improving school attendance and I am thrilled to now be able to work nationally with schools, driving attendance improvement and reducing persistent absence.

Milo

Head of Snuggles and Morale

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I’m Milo, the lovable A Star Attendance dog and the official Head of Snuggles and Morale. I am known for my boundless energy and irresistible charm, and I am always ready to bring a smile to anyone’s face. When I’m not spreading positivity, you’ll find me enjoying long walks and happily chewing on my favourite toy, my antler horn.

I am a true connoisseur of treats, and I am particularly fond of cheese and chicken – I can smell it a mile off! I know I am an essential part of the team as they love to see my wagging tail and my joyful presence ensures that everyone feels supported and uplifted every day!

Ann Joughin

Office Manager

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I began my career in London, working in the fast-paced environment of an investment bank. After gaining valuable experience in the financial sector, I decided to make a significant career shift and moved to the Northeast, where I started working in childminding. This change allowed me to focus on nurturing young minds and providing care in a more personal setting. Later, I transitioned again, this time into the education sector, taking a role at a secondary school. My diverse career journey highlights my adaptability and dedication to personal growth, as I moved from the world of finance to childcare and then to education, each step building on my passion for helping others.

I dedicated 19 years to the education sector, taking on various roles that allowed me to impact the lives of students and staff. One of my key positions was as an Attendance Officer, where I worked tirelessly to ensure students were attending school and supporting families to overcome challenges. After my time in education, I transitioned to A Star Attendance, where I became Office Manager. Outside of my professional life, I am married and have one daughter. I also shares my home with Milo, my beloved dog. We enjoy long walks, which offer me a peaceful escape. With a deep passion for making a difference, I am always driven by the desire to create positive change, both in my career and personal life.

Amy Ball

Training Consultant

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I have over 10 years of experience working in an infant school, starting as an EYFS teacher before progressing to Deputy Headteacher and later taking on the role of Attendance Lead. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to supporting the development of young children and fostering a love for learning. My passion for early education is matched by my commitment to building positive, supportive relationships with families, understanding that collaboration is key to maximising children’s learning potential. As Attendance Lead, I focused on improving attendance rates, working closely with families to overcome barriers and ensure that every child had the opportunity to succeed. My experience in both teaching and leadership has provided a well-rounded understanding of how to support children, families, and schools in achieving the best outcomes.

I am now working with a dedicated team at A Star Attendance as Training Consultant to help schools implement the A Star Attendance System effectively and sharing strategies that improve attendance, to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive in their education.