Caerphilly school shows impact of targeted attendance support
Ysgol Caerffili yn dangos effaith cymorth presenoldeb wedi'i dargedu
Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili consistently achieves an attendance rate above the national average for Wales and, in September 2025, achieved an attendance rate of 98.2%.
There are a range of reasons or underlying causes for learner absence. Effective relationships between schools and families are essential and, to support this work, £7 million in Welsh Government funding has been provided this year to help children re-engage with school.
This funding package includes an extra £3 million for Family Engagement Officers, £2 million for enrichment activities, £1 million to further embed the role of Community Focussed Schools, and £1 million for our Food and Fun, School Holiday Enrichment Programme.
Acting Headteacher of Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili, Eleri Jones, said:
“We take a whole-school approach to improving and maintaining attendance, rooted in the relationships we build with pupils, staff and families.
“All members of staff, including our School Clerk and Health and Wellbeing Officer who carry out the Family Engagement Officer role, work closely with families, and we communicate any concerns in a positive, supportive way. This ensures a truly holistic experience for our learners.
"School has to be a place pupils want to attend – and thanks to our outstanding teaching and the rich experiences we provide, we're able to offer exactly that.
“We’re proud that our ethos has led to exceptional attendance. This achievement reflects the commitment of our pupils, families, and staff, and we will continue to build on this success.”
Cabinet Secretary for Education, Lynne Neagle, said:
“To ensure every child accesses the education they deserve, we must continue to address the barriers that prevent learners from attending school. This school demonstrates what's possible when we combine targeted support with strong family and wider community engagement.
“I want to thank all the school staff and families for working together to achieve this. Their work and commitment show how working directly with families and having open and clear communication makes a real difference.”
It is for Local Authorities and schools to identify how to prioritise and use their Family Engagement Officer funding.