EBSA is a term used to describe children and young people who have difficulties in attending school due to emotional factors.
Whilst using the term EBSA can help us and others to know that the absence involves emotional factors, it is essential that further work is undertaken with the pupil and their family to understand what the barriers are for them attending school and then putting together an appropriate action plan to help them overcome them.
Schools should use the Graduated Response and refer to the EBSA resources developed by the Educational Psychology team at Cognus.
Other resources
EBSA
EBSA guidance for schools in Sutton
Addressing EBSA (annafreud.org)
Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) | Support Services for Education
Mental health and behaviour in schools (non-statutory DfE guidance – this also has a range of linked guidance)
Education Wellbeing Service works in a number of schools, visit the Education Wellbeing Service’s pages to find out more information. The service offers a YouTube channel with information and guidance videos for parents and young people.
Further information can be found on our other EBSA pages, including links for parents.
Mental health support
- Sutton Uplift – provide free confidential psychological and wellbeing interventions for common mental health problems.
- Off the Record – Free counselling service for children for young people aged between 11-18 years
- Government advice – Mental health resources for children, students, parents, carers and school/college staff