Request Demo
Login

A STAR ATTENDANCE SOLUTIONS

Resources

These A Star Attendance Resources  are your go-to source for practical insights, expert guidance, and the latest thinking on improving school attendance. Here you’ll find blogs, news updates, podcasts and FAQs designed to support school leaders, attendance teams and education professionals in tackling attendance challenges with confidence.

Explore content in the format that suits you best — from in-depth articles and sector updates to expert discussions and quick answers to common questions. Every resource is created to provide clear, actionable guidance that helps you strengthen attendance strategy and make informed decisions in your school.

Podcasts
FAQ
Latest news

A STAR ATTENDANCE SOLUTIONS

Podcasts

School attendance is more than just numbers on a spreadsheet, it’s a window into the challenges, stories, and systems that shape young lives.

Listen to our podcasts to gain new insights and understanding.

PODCAST

From Strategy to Culture: Fortis Academy’s Journey to Improving Attendance

PODCAST

Beyond the Register: Building Belonging Through Attendance

PODCAST

From Absence to Action: Culture, Commitment & Change

PODCAST

Presence and Protection: Insights into Attendance, Safeguarding, and Educational Responsibility

PODCAST

Tackling Missed Learning, Exclusions & Truancy with Whole-School Strategies

PODCAST

A Star Attendance X CPOMS Integration Partnership

A STAR ATTENDANCE SOLUTIONS

Frequenty Asked Questions

We have an education management software system in place why do we need The A Star System?

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

How robust are the safety measures?

The A Star Attendance System is hosted in Microsoft Azure in the UK. Please request A Star Assurance Information for further information.

Is there any risk to the Data Protection laws?

A Star Attendance Solutions take data protection very seriously and provide all schools with an Assurance Pack which includes: DPIA, Privacy Notice, A Star Assurance, A Star Data Protection Policy, A Star Information Security Policy, A Star Diligence Summary and Client Personal Data Vison Map.

Who can have access to the system?

Any member of staff that the Head/Principal grants access to.

Can the system only be accessed in school?

No, it can be accessed anywhere as it is an web-based system.

How do the approved staff access the system?

By using any WIFI enabled device and entering their unique password.

Is there a difference between primary, secondary or special schools in term of how absence is monitored?

No, the legal guidance is the same for all state funded schools. Compulsory school attendance reflects the importance and value placed on education as well as a recognition that regular attendance is necessary if education is to effectively prepare a pupil for adulthood.

How do we get started?

Simply contact us, and we will arrange everything at a time convenient to you; so that you can access the training, and more importantly start using the software system (The A Star System).

Is there anything else I need to do?

You will also need to ensure you update your attendance policy to incorporate the use of the new software system and inform parents via your website.

Can I access A Star Attendance CPD if I do have The A Star Attendance System in my school?

Yes, our CPD training is available to everyone. All schools that have The A Star Attendance System will access training for free, whilst there is a small cost for anyone else who wishes to access this.

Partners who trust us

Book a FREE Demo

Join schools across the UK transforming attendance and saving hours of valuable time every day. Book your personalised demo today and see how quickly you can drive improvement in your school.

Request Demo

Book a FREE Demo

Join schools across the UK transforming attendance and saving hours of valuable time every day. Book your personalised demo today and see how quickly you can drive improvement in your school.

Request Demo

William Gooch

I'm a Software Developer from Sunderland, with an MSci Computer Science from the University of St Andrews. I've been programming from a very young age, and at A Star Attendance I'm really glad to focus that passion into something that has such a strong impact on young people's education.

As a newer member of the team, I really enjoy the learning experience, and bringing in a fresh perspective. It's been a great experience getting involved and gaining an understanding of attendance management.

In my spare time, you'll usually find me playing board games with friends and family, or working on a new crochet project.

Close

Hannah Hall

Hannah has had a career of over 20 years in Education, and specialises in behaviour, SEMH and SEND. However, her expertise and passion for whole School Improvement & sustainable change, means she also provides guidance & practical strategy on curriculum design, implementation, teaching & learning & parental partnership, ensuring accessibility and equity for all.

She works nationally and internationally supporting schools & colleges, local authorities and trusts in reviewing, implementing, and developing cultural change, policies, systems and provision.

Close

Luke Bowers

Luke is the CEO and Founder of The Excellence Hub, an Education Solutions company. Luke is a experienced former school leader and MAT executive leader and has a passion for creating a positive culture of attendance in all education establishments. He is renowned for his unwavering commitment to improving attendance and outcomes for children and young people. His extensive expertise spans all phases of education, where he has consistently demonstrated his ability to foster positive change and drive improvement.

Close

Ian Cooper, BA, MA, NPQH, NPQSL, MCCT

Ian Cooper is an experienced senior leader with a strong track record of driving school improvement in behaviour, attendance, and safeguarding. As Deputy Principal for Pastoral Care and Inclusion, Ian plays a pivotal role in strategically leading a positive and supportive school culture.

With previous roles including Assistant Principal for Behaviour, Attendance and Safeguarding, Head of Year, Assistant Head of Year and Teacher in Charge of Computer Science, Ian brings a wealth of practical leadership experience from both academic and pastoral perspectives. His leadership contributed significantly to his current school achieving a ‘Good’ rating from Ofsted after a decade of ‘Requires Improvement’.

Close

David Stimson, UKCP, ACSTH

David Stimson is a UKCP-registered therapist with expertise in trauma and attachment-focused therapy. As a Director of CATS, he works closely with families, schools, and social care to develop effective therapeutic interventions. In addition to his clinical work, David supports staff wellbeing initiatives, helping organisations create psychologically safe environments for their teams.

Close

Liliana Ghilardi, BAPT, BACP

Liliana Ghilardi is a BAPT and BACP-registered therapist specialising in Play Therapy, Filial Therapy and trauma-informed interventions for children and families. As a Director of CATS, she is committed to supporting individuals in processing early trauma and attachment disruptions. Liliana also plays a key role in staff wellbeing initiatives, ensuring professionals receive the support they need to work effectively in challenging environments.

Close

Ted

Meet Ted, our apprentice pup and newest team member! Under the watchful eye of his mentor, Milo, Ted is busy learning the tricks of the trade – from perfecting the art of the paw-shake to mastering the subtle science of snack-time diplomacy.

With boundless energy, endless curiosity, and a playful streak that keeps everyone smiling, Ted brings a spark of joy to the team. Whether he’s lending a paw during meetings, chasing new challenges (and the occasional tennis ball), or spreading good vibes wherever he goes, Ted reminds us all to stay curious, have fun, and never stop learning.

Close

Milo

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!

Close

Amy Ball

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.

Close

Ann Joughin

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.

Close

Melissa Warwick

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.

Close

Chris Manders

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!

Close

Jill Robson

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

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

She 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 herself, Jill implicitly understand the importance of education and school attendance.

Close
A-star-attendance-logo
Home
A Star System
Accredited CPD Courses
Specialist Area CPD Courses
Why Choose Us
Testimonials
About
Resources
Contact
Request Demo
Login