If your child has struggled to attend school over a long period of time due to social, emotional or mental health needs, this is sometimes referred to as Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA), or Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance.
EBSA can look different for each child, but common signs can include emotional distress, physical symptoms such as headaches and stomach aches before the or during the school day, changes in behaviour, low or inconsistent school attendance and separation anxiety when away from parents or carers.
There are some steps you can take to help your child manage their emotions and improve school attendance:
- Open communication: Create a safe space for your child to express their anxieties and concerns. Listen actively and validate their feelings.
- Build routines: Establish consistent sleep schedules, wake-up times, and healthy eating habits. Predictability can reduce anxiety.
- Positive reinforcement: Acknowledge and reward your child's efforts, even small steps towards attending school. Celebrate successes!
- Collaboration with teachers: Work with your child's teachers to understand their experiences at school and develop a support plan together.
- Seek professional help: If needed, consult your GP or a child and adolescent mental health professional for additional support and strategies.
The Plymouth Educational Psychology Service has produced documents with an EBSA guide for parents, children and young people which contain ideas, activities and strategies that may be helpful. You can download these, and find more guidance, from the Plymouth Online Directory.