Middleton Mother Hails Council's 'Life-Changing' Attendance Workshop for Parents
A Middleton mother of two who previously felt at her "wits end" managing her daughter's challenging behaviour has publicly praised Rochdale Borough Council's pioneering new attendance workshop designed specifically for parents and carers. The innovative programme provides bespoke advice and practical guidance to families whose children experience persistent absence from school, empowering them with essential skills and renewed confidence to better understand their child and improve communication.
Transforming Family Dynamics Through Specialized Support
Kersty Rothwell, aged 36, described the council initiative as "life-changing" after experiencing significant attendance difficulties with her eldest daughter Evie. "I was depressed and I couldn't cope," Kersty recalls emotionally. "I had to leave full-time employment because I received constant telephone calls from school requesting immediate collection due to behavioural incidents."
Evie, who is currently awaiting formal assessment for autism and ADHD, frequently refused school attendance due to overwhelming anxiety and physical nausea. After discovering the council's workshop promoted through social media channels, Kersty attended her first session declaring herself a parent "ready to fight" for her daughter's educational needs.
Comprehensive Professional Collaboration
The workshop coordinates multiple support services including the borough's education welfare team, SEND advice service (SENDIASS), early help provisions, and Rochdale's Parent Carer Voice organisation. Following intensive engagement with these professionals, Kersty experienced an emotional breakthrough, leaving the training room in tears of relief and hope.
Initial support involved reviewing Evie's education, health and care plan (EHCP) to ensure her school could adequately meet her specific requirements—a crucial step toward facilitating her return to regular classroom participation. The workshop equipped Kersty with practical strategies to feel more empowered during difficult days when Evie struggled to attend school.
Remarkable Attendance Improvement Through Applied Strategies
By implementing workshop techniques at home, Kersty observed rapid improvements in her relationship with her daughter. She learned to approach challenging situations with greater calmness and provide Evie with necessary emotional regulation time after difficult school days. These changes contributed directly to the 14-year-old's attendance rate increasing dramatically from 82 percent to an impressive 94 percent.
"I'm no longer receiving court warning letters," Kersty revealed. "Instead, I receive positive messages through school communication apps congratulating Evie on excellent terms. She even received a special certificate recognizing her resilience—something we've never experienced before."
Building Parental Confidence in Supportive Environments
The council's workshop plays a vital role in developing parental self-esteem and confidence within a completely non-judgmental, supportive setting. Attendance rates have increased by as much as 20 percent for participating families, with two workshop cohorts already completed and eleven families benefiting from the specialised programme.
Families interested in this bespoke support programme are encouraged to contact Rochdale Borough Council's education welfare service directly for comprehensive information about participation opportunities and available support mechanisms.
