More Than a Number: How Manor Way is Nurturing a 'Deep Sense of Belonging' That Leads to Amazing Attendance

28th November 2025

There has been a lot of talk in the news recently about school attendance. You might have seen recent news articles discussing new government plans to use AI to set attendance targets and crackdown on absence. While these big conversations are happening nationally, here at Manor Way Primary Academy, we are proud to be ahead of the curve. We are already demonstrating what "best practice" looks like—not through targets and tracking, but through something much more powerful.

The 'Manor Way' Approach We believe the secret to outstanding attendance isn't a "crackdown." It is culture. It is about fostering an environment where every child feels safe, valued, and truly excited to learn.

As Lisa Buffery, our Executive Headteacher, explains: "For us, it’s about nurturing a deep sense of belonging. We want every child to wake up and want to come to school because they feel part of something special. We focus on creating a place where they feel safe and supported. When you get the culture right, the attendance follows naturally."

How We Make It Happen This success is built on a strong partnership between school and home. We achieve this through:

• Regular communication: We keep parents informed with consistent updates and letters.

• Celebrating success: We send monthly emails to highlight and praise 100% attendance, making it a shared achievement.

• Student ownership: Crucially, we have instilled a sense of ownership in our children. They want to be here, and they strive for that 100% themselves.

• Working together: We work closely with families on processes like Leave of Absence forms for medical appointments to ensure every school day counts.

The Proof The results speak for themselves. Our attendance is currently 97.8%, which is well above the national average. But we see this figure as more than just a statistic. It is proof of a happy school. It is a direct reflection of children who have a real desire to be in school with their friends and teachers.

Unlocking Potential Everything we do ties back to the Windsor Academy Trust mission: to unlock the academic and personal potential of every student. We know that you cannot unlock potential if you aren't in the room. By being present, happy, and ready to learn, Manor Way students are giving themselves the very best foundation for the future.