A companion to Understanding & Supporting Children & Young People with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

Children and young people miss school for a variety of reasons – as a response to personal, family, school or wider environmental issues. Emotionally Based School Avoidance or Refusal (EBSA) is a pattern of absence where reluctance, or refusal, to attend or stay in educational settings is rooted in anxiety or fear.

Risk factors vary, and it is important to understand the reasons for poor or non-attendance. This resource provides an overview of EBSA, useful assessments and key tools to help identify and support those young people who find school attendance a struggle owing to anxiety or fear. 

Many children and young people – especially those with existing mental health issues have found the experience of lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic particularly stressful and increased levels of anxiety are widespread. As a result, the need to provide support for increased levels of anxiety will be ongoing.

These 60 cards provide a wealth of activities designed to support a child or young person in understanding their own feelings and worries about school attendance. They will help to develop a range of self-help skills. These include how to remain self-regulated, manage stress and anxiety, become more organised and access appropriate support.

Three sections with 20 cards each cover:

Understanding feelings and worries
Building my skills
Positive transitioning
For one-to-one or small group work. Will also help vulnerable children to transition back to the learning environment after a period of non-attendance.

60 cards, instructions

ISBN 978-1-912112-20-3

Ages 8-16

• Three-Step Structure: Includes 60 discussion cards divided into 3 targeted sections – Understanding Feelings & Worries, Building My Skills, and Positive Transitioning – to guide children through recognising emotions, developing coping strategies, and re-engaging with school.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What age group are the EBSA Discussion Cards suitable for?
  These cards are designed for use with children and young people aged 8 to 16 years who are experiencing emotionally based school avoidance.
• Can the cards be used in group settings?
  Yes, the cards are ideal for one-to-one or small group sessions, allowing for guided conversations and peer discussion.
• Do the cards come with instructions?
  Yes, a full set of instructions is included to help professionals and caregivers use the cards effectively and confidently.