Experience
What is working — or not working — for pupils, families, schools and professionals.
What belongs in Candid Corner?
Views do not have to agree with the Portal. The point is to create a lively, useful space where different perspectives on attendance can be heard without turning disagreement into hostility.
Ideas
Practical suggestions, challenges to conventional thinking and better ways of doing things.
Perspective
Reasoned opinions on policy, belonging, barriers, support, accountability and attendance culture.
The Candid Corner ground rules
By submitting a contribution, you agree to these editorial and safeguarding conditions.
1. Keep it respectful.
Debate the issue, not the person. No abuse, bullying, harassment, threats, discriminatory language or personal attacks.
2. No defamatory or unlawful material.
Do not make allegations about identifiable people or organisations that you cannot substantiate. We will reject material we consider potentially libellous, defamatory, unlawful or unsafe to publish.
3. Protect children and confidential information.
Never include a pupil's full name, identifying details, medical information, safeguarding information, case records or other confidential personal data.
4. Safeguarding concerns need the proper route.
Candid Corner is not a safeguarding reporting service. Immediate or specific safeguarding concerns should be raised through the relevant school's or organisation's established safeguarding procedures.
5. Facts and opinions should be clear.
If you present something as fact, make sure you have a reasonable basis for it. Make it clear when something is your opinion, interpretation or personal experience.
6. Humour is welcome — humiliation is not.
Wit, irony and light-hearted observations are encouraged. Mocking vulnerable people, children, families or named individuals is not.
7. Only submit work you are entitled to share.
Do not copy substantial material from another author, publication or website. If you refer to someone else's work, credit the source where appropriate.
8. Moderation and editing apply.
The editor may decline, shorten, edit, anonymise, fact-check or ask for clarification before publication. Submission does not guarantee publication.
9. Anonymous publication can be requested.
We still ask for your real name and email privately for moderation. If you choose anonymous publication, those details will not appear with the published contribution.
10. Keep it useful.
Strong disagreement is fine. Contributions should still aim to inform, improve practice, provoke constructive thought or help others understand a different perspective.
Please do not use this page for urgent complaints, emergencies or safeguarding disclosures.
Candid Corner is an editorial feature, not a formal complaints, whistleblowing or safeguarding channel.