And it has led to the school, which was in 'special measures', bouncing back.
East Ward community primary was slammed for poor standards two years ago but has now been heaped with praise by inspectors.
New head Ross McMurdo made it his job to greet children outside every day and visit the homes of those who were regularly absent.
In 2006, the Bury school was criticised by inspectors who found that lessons were poor and pupils were failing to turn up but a new inspection by watchdog Ofsted says the school has undergone a massive transformation.
Ofsted gives schools one of four grades - outstanding, good, satisfactory and inadequate. Most schools emerging from special measures are only rated 'satisfactory' but, in a highly unusual move, inspectors have given East Ward an overall 'good' grading.
Each morning the head or deputy are outside the school on Willow Street to make sure children are there on time and listen to parents' concerns. Teachers also tightened up on uniform policy.
Mr McMurdo, who took over from a temporary head in January, said parents felt they could trust the school.
He said: "We work very closely with our attendance welfare officer. Myself and our teachers have been round to the houses to talk to families and build up the trust with them. We have also had a high visibility at the school and go out to the gates every morning. Because we are there, many people feel they can speak to us. Some of the parents may have felt they had barriers to the school before.
"The children also know that the school starts at 8.50am and that we are there to check they arrive on time." New interactive whiteboards have been fitted in the school and colourful displays by pupils have been added to the walls. Extra work had also taken place in the classroom to check how well students were learning.
Mr McMurdo said: "Each child now has their own target books which say what they should be achieving each week."
Teachers review this every fortnight to make sure they are constantly improving.
In their most recent report, inspectors said: "Pupils are happy at school, enjoy lessons and other activities and behave well.
"The headteacher and the deputy headteacher are a driving force in raising standards."
Teachers now hope that extra cash will be spent on the school, with an on-site health clinic and new facilities for younger pupils.
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