Understanding Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA)

EBSA refers to a child or young person experiencing persistent emotional or psychological distress when at school, often then leading to an understandable and natural coping strategy to avoid / refuse attending school. It is essential to differentiate EBSA from simple truancy, as EBSA is rooted in anxiety or other emotional challenges that impact a child's ability to cope with the school environment. Similarly, there is a move away from the term ‘School Refusal’ since this indicates that there is simple choice to not attend school. By recognising these underlying emotional factors, we can develop a comprehensive approach to address and support these students. In doing so, we’re primarily helping them to feel safe and secure in school, with any increases in attendance simply being enabled by improved wellbeing in school.