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All present and correct

Emma Scott
27/ 7/2006

PUPILS at a Chorlton primary school have received full marks from teachers after a dramatic turn around in attendance.

Two years ago, Barlow Hall Primary School, on Darley Avenue, had one of the worst attendance rates out of all south Manchester schools.

However, staff and pupils put their heads together and it now boasts one of the top attendance records in the area.

In the past, absence rates stood at 9.10, yet this figure has now fallen to 6.2, with many pupils achieving 100% attendance.

Deputy headteacher Toni Elliot has put their success down to new initiatives developed within the school. She said: "Things have really improved. One of the reasons for this is the work carried out by our school mentors who call families, without fail, whenever a child is absent. This has been really successful as it helps to build relationships between the school and families."

The school has also introduced their very own incentive for the children in the form of Punctuality Pete, a cuddly toy.

Mrs Elliot said: "Punctuality Pete gets awarded every week to the class with the best attendance out of the whole school. He is put in the winner's classroom, so everybody knows who has made the target that week. All the children want Pete in their classroom, so it has formed some healthy competition between the children."

The Year One pupils, who achieved the best attendance record in the whole school, received a special prize - a sponsored donkey at a local animal sanctuary.

Mrs Elliot said: "The children will be able to pay regular visits to the sanctuary to see their donkey. We're really pleased, the whole thing is fantastic."

The school held a special assembly to celebrate their success when two teachers dressed up as donkeys.