Children and young people may experience difficulties attending school for a variety of emotional reasons. Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) can present in different ways and may impact a child’s ability to attend, engage and feel confident in school.
Supporting children and young people experiencing emotional barriers to school attendance requires a collaborative approach between schools, families and support services. Understanding the reasons behind attendance difficulties and putting appropriate support in place at an early stage can help improve outcomes and promote positive engagement with education.
This section provides information, guidance and resources for both professionals and families.
Information for Schools and Professionals
Schools play a key role in identifying attendance difficulties, understanding barriers to attendance and implementing appropriate support.
Visit our Attendance Support Around Emotional Barriers to School Attendance (EBSA) and Mental Health page for:
- Guidance on supporting pupils experiencing emotional barriers to attendance
- Key principles for professionals
- Information on using the Graduated Response
- Educational Psychology resources
- Mental health and wellbeing resources
- Local and national support services
Information for Parents and Carers
If your child is finding it difficult to attend school due to anxiety, worry or emotional distress, support is available.
Visit our Support for Parents and Carers page for:
- Information about emotional barriers to school attendance
- Signs your child may be experiencing attendance difficulties linked to emotional wellbeing
- Advice on how parents and carers can help
- Information about available support
- Links to local and national organisations
Additional Support
The following Cognus services may be able to provide further support:
- Educational Psychology Service
- Inclusion Service
- SEND Support Services
Note on Terminology
Some external organisations and resources continue to use the term Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). Where this terminology appears in linked resources, it refers to the same area of need and support.