Access Compass guide
Emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA): support & guidance
Understand what EBSA is, recognise the signs and learn how to work with school and services to support your child back into education.
Published by Access Compass · How we research and check guides
Who it's for: Parents & carers, Children & young people, Professionals
Not yet verified Last checked 27 Sep 2025. Always confirm details with the service before relying on them.
Step by step
-
Recognise the signs
Look out for repeated absence, physical complaints, distress on school mornings or refusal to engage. Talk gently to your child about what is worrying them and keep a diary of triggers.
-
Use the APDR cycle
Meet with the SENCo and teacher to assess the causes of EBSA, plan adjustments (e.g., reduced timetable, safe spaces or buddy system), implement the plan and review progress regularly.
-
Seek local support
Contact the Inclusion & Intervention Support Team (West) or North Northants SEND Support Service for advice. Consider Early Help or CAMHS referral. If absence is due to medical issues, the Hospital & Outreach Education service may teach your child at home.
-
Keep communication open
Maintain daily contact with the school, agree gradual exposure goals and celebrate small successes. Ask for therapeutic support such as counselling or anxiety-management programmes.
-
Know your rights
Schools should authorise absence related to mental health and cannot penalise parents for genuine EBSA. Ask for work to be sent home and remind the school that any part-time timetable must be short term and agreed in writing.