Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) parental guidance
This guidance has been produced by Lancashire Educational Psychology Service. It has been created based on current research/best practice and on what local families and schools have told us about things that are helpful for pupils with Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
What is EBSA?
Feelings of worry or anxiety are something that everyone will experience from time to time. They can help to keep us safe from difficult situations. There are times, however, when worry can be so great that it stops an individual from doing daily activities.
It is not uncommon for children and young people to worry about school. For some children, however, that worry can become so great that they may have difficulties in attending school. If your child has high levels of anxiety and is finding it difficult to attend school, they may be experiencing Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).
Your child is not alone with this issue as it is suggested that 1-5% of the school population experience EBSA. Your child may have worries about their peer relationships, bullying, their teachers or about being away from home.