Posted on Wednesday 5th February 2025
County Councillor Jonathan Price with Heath Hayes Academy Head Teacher, Louise Johnson.
A new campaign to support regular attendance in primary schools in Staffordshire has seen tremendous success since its launch, with over 80 per cent of primary schools now signed up.
Across the UK, school attendance rates have faced challenges in recent years, with Staffordshire experiencing a 2.3% drop due to mild illnesses and rising anxiety among young students.
Launched in September 2024, Staffordshire County Council’s ‘Little Heroes’ campaign is helping to address the challenge head-on. The fresh and engaging approach is encouraging students to be “Here Everyday, Ready and On time” (HERO).
Thanks to the enthusiastic response from local headteachers, over 250 primary schools have joined the campaign, receiving ‘Little Heroes starter kits’ filled with creative resources designed to make school attendance exciting and positive for students.
Key stage one and two pupils across the county are enjoying imaginative ‘Pixar-style’ characters, interactive resources, and fun activities that make showing up to school each day an adventure.
For students facing emotional challenges, the county council has also developed a supportive ‘Helpful Heroes’ workbook to help children overcome anxiety and school avoidance. This workbook is filled with age-appropriate mindfulness exercises and coping strategies to build confidence and resilience.
Since its launch, 96% of primary schools say the Little Heroes campaign is having a positive impact at their schools with 69% seeing an improvement in attendance and 62% seeing an improvement in lateness, all within just one month of joining the campaign.
Councillor Jonathan Price, Cabinet Member for Education at Staffordshire County Council said:
“We are delighted with the overwhelming response to our Little Heroes campaign, with over 80 per cent of our primary schools across Staffordshire on board.
“The initiative has been designed to inspire children to attend school regularly and support those who may face emotional barriers going to school.
“It’s been fantastic visiting schools and hearing first-hand the difference it’s making in punctuality, attendance and supporting children with anxiety through the workbooks. Seeing such a positive impact on attendance is truly encouraging, and we look forward to continuing to support Staffordshire’s children as the campaign continues to develop throughout the year.”
Louise Johnson, Headteacher at Heath Hayes Academy in Cannock said:
“The campaign has been really great for the school and a lot of fun for our pupils.
“Since starting the scheme, we’ve seen a steady increase in the number of children in our focus group here everyday, ready and on time which is what the campaign is all about. The feedback from parents and pupils is also really positive with many children getting quite excited about the campaign workbooks.”
People can find out more on the Little Heroes campaign website or watch this short video to learn more about the Little Heros campaign.