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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.

This toolkit of resources will give confidence to anyone working with or looking after young people in understanding the basis for EBSA and will provide practical, helpful strategies that can be implemented by parents and school-based staff to support young people back into the learning environment.

Contents Include:

Definitions of EBSA.
How EBSA differs from truancy.
Recognising warning signs and triggers.
Different types of anxiety and stress & links with school avoidance.
Transition from primary to secondary school.
Practical techniques and activities for supporting children & young people.
Developing individualised support plans.
Working with parents.
The role of the key adult & nurturing relationships.
Top tips for home and school to support transition back to the classroom.
Resources include Checklists, Assessments, Handouts & Activity Resources for use by SENCOs, Mental Health Leads, Learning Mentors, Teachers, Counsellors, Social Care Professionals and Parents/Carers Parents & Cares.

A companion to Understanding & Supporting Emotionally Based School Avoidance Discussion Cards

• Comprehensive EBSA Toolkit: Offers practical strategies, assessments, and activities to support children and young people experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), with a focus on transitions and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is this resource intended for?
  This toolkit is designed for SENCOs, mental health leads, learning mentors, teachers, counsellors, social care professionals, and parents/carers working with children and young people facing EBSA.
• What does the toolkit include?
  It provides definitions of EBSA, distinguishes it from truancy, identifies warning signs and triggers, explores types of anxiety linked to school avoidance, and offers practical techniques and activities for support.
• Does it address recent challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic?
  Yes, the resource specifically considers the increased anxiety levels and challenges in school attendance resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.