EBSA (emotional based school avoidance)
Early intervention is key, so you may want to request a meeting with school to agree a plan moving forward. Pressure should not be placed on you as parents; all parties should work together to find a solution.
1. School can use the EBSA (emotional based school avoidance) toolkit and request to speak to their educational psychologist. A school avoidance plan should be put in place by school. This should follow: access, plan, do, review.
2. Work together with school to find the underlying cause. Why is your young person not wanting to attend? What are they finding difficult? What can be done to resolve it?
Support in School/College information on the SENDIASS website regarding the SEND Code of Practice and what an education setting is expected to provide:
Inclusive Provision, Reasonable Adjustments - examples of the provision and approaches that the Local Authority expects to be available for children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND), in all educational settings, including early years, schools and colleges.
Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision East Riding of Yorkshire 2024 (pdf 639kb)
3. Help child/young person to build positive relationships with staff who are supporting them. In some instances home visits may be suitable.
EBSA graduated approach for schools - online interactive version (pdf 2.2mb)
Support for children who are anxious about attending school including EBSA (pdf 905kb)
National Organisations
Information about school anxiety and emotional based school avoidance.
Young Minds has been recommended by parents and professionals.
Not Fine in School has information around school refusing, autism, mental health, exams, assault, and trauma.
School refusal/not in school: information for parents around school attendance difficulties.
IPSEA information about school anxiety and refusal.