RIASS Redbridge
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) - Supporting Children and Young People to Feel Safe, Confident and Able to Attend School
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is a term used when a child or young person experiences difficulties attending school due to emotional factors such as anxiety, stress, low mood, social difficulties, or concerns about their educational environment.
In Redbridge, EBSA is recognised as a complex issue that can arise from a range of factors affecting the child, family, school, or wider circumstances.
At RIASS, we understand that attendance difficulties are rarely about a child simply refusing to attend school. Instead, many children desperately want to attend but find their emotional wellbeing makes regular attendance feel overwhelming.
What is EBSA?
EBSA can present in many different ways, including:
Every child’s experience is unique, and there is often no single cause.
Why Does EBSA Happen?
There are many reasons why a child may struggle to attend school. Contributing factors may include:
School Factors
Individual Factors
Family and Environmental Factors
Understanding the reasons behind a child's attendance difficulties is the first step towards providing effective support.
Understanding the Cycle of Avoidance
When a child avoids school, their anxiety often reduces temporarily. However, the longer they remain away from school, the more difficult returning can become. This can create a cycle where avoidance increases anxiety over time. Supporting a child to take small, manageable steps towards attendance can help break this cycle and build confidence.
How Can Parents and Carers Help?
Parents and carers can support children by:
Approaches such as Emotion Coaching can help children feel understood while developing strategies to manage their worries and anxieties.
How Schools Can Support
Schools play a vital role in supporting children experiencing EBSA. Effective strategies may include:
A coordinated approach between the child, family, school and other professionals can significantly improve outcomes and engagement.
When to Seek Additional Support
You may wish to seek further support if:
Early intervention is often the most effective way to prevent difficulties from escalating.
How RIASS Can Help
RIASS provides impartial information, advice and support for parents, carers, children and young people. We can:
If you are concerned about your child’s school attendance due to emotional wellbeing difficulties, please contact us for information and support.
EBSA - Guidance for parents and carers