For professionals:

About ESC

Every Schoolday Counts (ESC) is a proactive and upbeat initiative working across the city of Sunderland. 

It was set up in 2002 to promote the benefits of primary school attendance to children and families.

The Project supports 88 primary and primary aged special schools to improve their attendance levels in line with the Government’s targets of 94%.

ESC offers half-day support to 24 schools within the bottom quartile of attendance.

The Project aims to initiate a shift in parental perception and values to education in order that children inherit a positive attitude towards school.

Early intervention by ESC will ultimately:

• Increase attendance
• Raise achievement
• Reduce school exclusion
• Improve transition between key stages
• Decrease youth crime and the potential for social exclusion.

6 strands of service:

1. A rewards and incentives scheme – rewarding children for their attendance achievements
2. Celebrating success – through a termly certificate scheme, public annual celebration event and many school assemblies
3. A home visiting service – offering targeted schools a home-school link to respond to casual absence
4. Promotions and information – through a range of campaigns, competitions, literature and resources
5. Targeted support to schools – a dedicated worker offers half day support to those schools that would benefit from a little extra help with their attendance
6. Sponsorship – which enables the Project to produce a range of innovative new resources and involve children in exciting activities.

The Project is accountable to the Sunderland’s Children Fund and is managed by the Children's Services directorate of Sunderland City Council.

The Sunderland vision is of an Integrated Children’s Service designed around the needs of children, young people and their families:

"Working together to improve life chances and aspirations for each child and young person in Sunderland."

To find out more about this visit www.sunderlandchildrenstrust.org.uk

A steering group, and various pupil focus groups help advise the Project and strong links are maintained with the city’s Inclusion and Attendance Team.

Every Child Matters:

Every Schoolday Counts links directly to the Every Child Matters outcome of Enjoying and Achieving.

Whilst children are in school and accessing education they will have the opportunity of experiencing increased confidence and self esteem; making new friends; be part of new learning experiences not likely to happen at home; learn how to become a good citizen and look after themselves and others.

Whilst in school children are protected and safe; they are better equipped in achieving

socially and academically.

They acquire information to be healthier and are given the opportunity to participate in team games and be involved in extended schools activities including Breakfast and After School activities.

Project Literature - Leaflet for Professionals