Here’s a bold statement: the future of student behavior and attendance in England is about to change dramatically. The Department for Education (DfE) has just unveiled its ambitious plan for 90 behavior and attendance hubs across the country, with 57 already up and running. But here’s where it gets controversial—while the initiative promises to transform struggling schools, it’s backed by a £1.5 million investment, significantly less than the programs it replaces. Is this enough to make a real difference? Let’s dive in.
The hubs are designed to operate through two main pathways: regional support and enhanced support. Regional support, aimed at the majority of schools, offers a light-touch approach, providing access to structured professional development (CPD) and opportunities to learn from lead schools during termly open days. Think of it as a collaborative network where schools can share effective strategies and best practices. But this is the part most people miss—while 5,000 schools will benefit from this regional model, only 500 schools with the most pressing behavior and attendance issues will receive intensive, targeted help through the enhanced pathway.
For these 500 schools, the support is hands-on and comprehensive. Eligible schools will receive 10 days of leadership support over three terms, starting with a self-assessment and surveys to establish a baseline of behavior and attendance. This is followed by a full-day deep dive into the school’s challenges, culminating in a tailored improvement plan developed with guidance from a lead school. Sounds promising, right? But who gets to decide which schools qualify for this enhanced support? The selection process hasn’t been finalized yet, leaving many wondering about fairness and transparency.
The program is championed by notable figures like former behavior tsar Tom Bennett and ex-headteacher Jayne Lowe, adding credibility to its mission. However, the merger of the behavior and attendance hubs raises questions. With a smaller budget than its predecessors, can this initiative truly address the complex issues it aims to tackle? And what happens to schools that fall outside the 500 selected for enhanced support?
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is this program a step forward in addressing systemic challenges, or does it risk leaving some schools behind? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective. For those eager to learn more, the DfE’s new guidance is available here, and the list of announced hubs can be found here and here. Let’s keep the conversation going!
