A new article co-authored by Nisai Learning and ASDAN considers how education can help learners reconnect – and why attendance alone cannot tell the whole story.
Attendance remains one of the most pressing challenges facing education. But while attendance data can identify patterns of absence, it cannot fully explain whether a learner feels able to participate, make progress or see a meaningful pathway ahead.
In a new article published by ASDAN, Dhruv Patel, Founder and Chief Executive of Nisai Learning, and Gareth Reynolds, Education and Impact Director at ASDAN, explore what meaningful re-engagement looks like in practice and the role inclusive digital learning can play.
The article draws on findings from Nisai’s ongoing research with the University of Staffordshire, covering more than five years of pupil-level data from thousands of learners across the UK. Many of those learners had experienced prolonged disruption to their education and faced barriers including emotionally based school avoidance, mental health challenges and special educational needs and disabilities.
Before joining Nisai Learning, average attendance among the learners studied was 34%. Within a structured, digitally enabled learning environment, authorised attendance increased to 74%. In addition, 94% progressed to further or higher education, reintegrated into school, or moved into employment or training.
The findings suggest that improved attendance is part of a wider journey. Rebuilding trust, creating a sense of belonging and giving learners meaningful opportunities to contribute can help participation become possible again.
The article also recognises that technology alone is not the answer. Digital learning is most effective when it combines access and flexibility with high-quality teaching, relevant learning, appropriate support and clear routes for progression.
For schools, colleges, alternative provision settings and policymakers, the article poses an important question: should successful re-engagement be measured by physical presence alone, or by a broader understanding of participation, belonging and progress?
Read the full article on the ASDAN website.
