(From L-R: Sam Wilson, Design and Technology teacher at The Marvell College, Brooke from The Marvell College and Emma Davidson, Senior Education Welfare Officer at Hull City Council).
Children and young people, families, schools and partners across Hull are coming together to strengthen attendance.
At the heart of the campaign is a brand-new mascot designed by local pupil Brooke from The Marvell College. Her creative entry was selected as the winning design from a competition involving children and young people from across the city.
The mascot, named Gully, will become the face of the campaign, helping to share positive messages about attendance and encouraging children to feel connected, supported and ready to learn. Gully will appear in schools, family hubs, GP surgeries, leisure centres, community venues, and at events throughout the year.
The campaign’s key message, “I Belong to This Crew”, highlights the important role that schools, families and communities play in helping children feel that they belong. Research shows that good attendance is closely linked to improved educational outcomes, wellbeing, friendships and future opportunities.
Brooke’s winning design impressed judges with its creativity, positive personality, and ability to reflect the campaign’s values of inclusion, perseverance and belonging.
Brooke said: “I am really excited that my design was chosen. I wanted the mascot to be friendly and encourage children to come to school. It feels amazing knowing that people across Hull will see my design.”
The campaign has been developed in partnership with schools, local services, Parents and community organisations to promote positive attendance messages throughout the academic year. Monthly themes will focus on common attendance barriers, including wellbeing, anti-bullying, minor illness, routines and transitions.
Councillor Linda Tock, the portfolio holder for Children’s Service at Hull City Council, said: “We are delighted to launch this campaign and introduce Gully to children and families across Hull. Attendance is about much more than being in school; it’s about feeling that you belong, building friendships, accessing support and achieving your potential. Brooke’s fantastic design perfectly captures the spirit of our campaign, and we look forward to seeing Gully inspire children across the city.”
Schools will receive a range of campaign resources, including posters, certificates, stickers, social media content and digital materials to help reinforce positive attendance messages throughout the year.
By working together with partners, Hull City Council aims to create a culture where every child feels valued, welcomed and supported to attend school regularly, because every day in school is an opportunity to learn, grow and belong.