Devon Hospitals Short Stay School

Emotionally Based School Avoidance

If a child or young person starts to feel worried about going to school, they might find it hard to go to lessons or even avoid going to school altogether. They might become very stressed about attending school - this is called Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). 

 

Please see the links below for information, advice and resources for supporting a child presenting with Emotionally Based School Avoidance.

Devon County Council - Information for Families

Devon County Council have launched a new section on their website dedicated to helping families dealing with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). The website includes advice for parents and carers on how children can be supported at home and what support they can expect from schools. There are specific sections focusing on children who occasionally miss school, those who frequently miss school, and those who do not attend school at all. 

Emotionally Based School Avoidance - Education and Families

Young Minds - Advice and Resources

If your child is anxious about school, or they are unable to go to school, Young Minds have advice on supporting them and working with the school and other services.

School Anxiety and Refusal | Parent Guide to Support | YoungMinds

Define Fine - Support for Parents and Carers

Define Fine is a national parent carer led peer support organisation. Their team all have lived experience of children and young people with  school attendance difficulties,  sometimes referred to as EBSA: Emotionally Based School Avoidance. 

https://www.definefine.org.uk/