Isaac from Peak Forest has won this half-term’s attendance award, securing an iPad for maintaining 100% attendance since the start of 2026.
Opting for a blue iPad, Isaac collected his winning prize in a matching jumper on Friday morning, with Designated Safeguarding Lead Carrie Finn handing over the prize.
Isaac told the website he was "happy and excited" to clinch the award, with the tablet overseen by staff until the end of the school day.
Our schools don’t just celebrate perfect attendance, we also recognise learners who make significant improvements.
This year, rewards for improving attendance have included theme park vouchers, helping motivate and encourage students who are working hard to overcome barriers.
So far this year for 100% attendance, we’ve offered prizes such as a game console and virtual reality headset, recognising the outstanding commitment throughout the term.
In light of a new partnership with Inclusive Attendance, Matthew Higham, Chief Executive Officer, recently told our Footsteps parent podcast: "Attendance will always be one of our biggest priorities, but also there's a number of factors that contribute towards that and whilst the data informs us what the attendance is, it goes a lot deeper than that."
As for low attendance, he added that it is the role of First Steps Together staff, as professionals, “to break that down” and identify what support can be put in place for each individual pupil.
Group Strategic Lead Natalie Ogden expressed her understanding of the pressures families face.
She said: "A hell of a lot of parents and carers, they do feel the pressure because we do have students that wake up in the morning and there’s good days and there's bad days. It's about us working alongside them."
Natalie reflected: "At First Steps Together, one thing I'm most proud of is our pastoral support that we give to parents and carers."
The organisation also continues to educate families on the importance of internet safety, with a dedicated page currently being developed for the website.
Speaking to Footsteps, Head of Business Nick Ledger noted that “often parents are not as tech‑savvy as the children,” advising families to “cast an eye once in a while” to ensure the content being accessed is appropriate.
Any parents with concerns or questions about attendance can get in touch via our contact us page.