Devon Attendance conference 2026

Never has it been more important for schools, local authorities and partners to work together to promote strong attendance and reduce absence for children and young people. The Devon Attendance Conference 2026 brings professionals together to deepen understanding of attendance as a safeguarding, inclusion and wellbeing priority, and to strengthen collective approaches that help pupils feel safe, supported and able to attend school regularly. 

Set against the national focus on improving attendance following sustained disruption to education, the conference explores how consistent, whole-system practice can improve life chances, particularly for the most vulnerable learners. Delegates will reflect on the barriers to attendance facing children and young people today, including wellbeing, mental health, inclusion and family engagement, and consider how schools and services can respond effectively and compassionately within current national expectations.

The conference emphasises partnership working across education, local authority services and wider agencies, recognising that improving attendance is not the responsibility of schools alone. By sharing knowledge, evidence-informed approaches and local context, the day supports delegates to build confidence, align practice with national guidance, and strengthen attendance strategies that promote safety, belonging and positive outcomes for all pupils.

Join us at the Devon Attendance conference on 18th June 2026 to build our knowledge to support children and young people to feel safe to attend school. 

Keynote speakers

- Matt Bromley, Education consultant (Attendance)

More to be announced soon

Conference programme

Programme information coming soon