EBSA information for parents
What is emotionally-based school avoidance (EBSA)?
EBSA refers to 'reduced or non-attendance at school by a child or young person due to emotional, mental health or wellbeing issues' (Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, 2022). EBSA replaces the term 'school refusal'.
Pupils experiencing EBSA would like to attend school, if they could. Pupils can experience EBSA due to feelings that build up over time or as the result of a specific trigger.
Pupils experiencing EBSA can be both attending and not attending school
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
The pupil is attending school but shows occasional reluctance to attend and/or is anxious about attending school. | The pupil is attending school but they are experiencing high levels of anxiety. Parents express that they can appear reluctant to attend school. Occasional absences may occur. | The pupils may be in school but not able to attend some lessons. The pupil may have periods of non-attendance. Patterns may be forming. Reluctance to attend school is a concern to parents. | The pupil is no longer attending school. Their negative feelings about school are overwhelming. |
What happens if my child is referred to the EBSA Advisory Team?
If your child is experiencing emotionally-based school avoidance, their school may refer them to the West Berkshire Council's EBSA Advisory Team.
A referral form will be completed by school, and a parent information and consent form needs to be completed by you. If possible/appropriate, we like to collect the thoughts of your child too, through a short form. This will help us to build up a picture of the current situation for your child. (The EBSA Coordinator may also contact you and the school for further information.)
Your child's referral will then be discussed at one of our monthly EBSA triage panel meetings and the decision will be communicated to your school, who will advise you of the decision and next steps.
EBSA Advisory Team - who are we and what do we do?
If your child's referral is accepted by the triage panel, then the EBSA Advisory Team will advise school on the best way to support your child to remain in school/back into school/to re-engage with education.
This may include meetings with school, meetings with the family and work with you/your child.
The outcome of this work is that school will be able to produce an EBSA plan that focuses on reducing your child's anxiety and increasing their school attendance.
It is important to note that addressing anxiety takes time, and success is more likely where the school, parents and child work together and the focus is on small, achievable, supported steps.
As part of this work, you may be contacted by the EBSA Advisory Team:
- EBSA Coordinator (term time only)
- EBSA Mental Health Workers
Contact
Tel: 01635 503657
Share this page
