Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)
Emotionally based school avoidance or EBSA is also commonly referred to as: school anxiety, school refusal and emotionally based school non-attendance/avoidance. All of these are terms are used to describe children and young people who experience challenges in attending school due to negative feelings (such as anxiety).
EBSA may result in a child or young person:
- Avoiding or prolonging getting dressed in the mornings
- Refusing to leave the house and/ or transport method to school
- Showing physical and emotional signs of distress
- Being reluctant to attend school for the whole week
- Being unable to attend school at all
More information and support for families in Bexley is available from:
Bexley Information Advice Support Service (IASS)
IASS is an impartial & confidential service offering information, advice and support to parents and carers of children with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) and young people with SEND up to 25 years, and they offer some useful guidance and support on EBSA.
Attendance & EBSA | Bexley IASS
Bexley Local Offer
Bexley Local Offer also has a support group for parents of children experiencing EBSA:
Emotionally-Based School Avoidance (EBSA) Parent/Carer Support Group | Bexley Local Offer
National resources
More information is available for families below:
BBC Bitesize
6 tips to protect your mental health whilst still supporting your child with EBSA:
How can I support myself and my child through their school anxiety and avoidance? – BBC Bitesize
Young Minds
This national charity have put together a comprehensive guide to EBSA which is available here:
School Anxiety and Refusal | Parent Guide to Support | YoungMinds
