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).
Sources of support
When a child is out of school, it can be worrying but also disrupting to family life. We know from families we have worked with that these disruptions can include having to take time off work or stop working completely, it can impact on time spent with other children in the family and the wellbeing of other family members.
Below are some local services that you may find it helpful to get in touch with.
Citizen’s Advice can offer advice on finances and if you are entitled to any support if you are not working. You can search the Citizen’s Advice website for your local Citizens Advice.
Young people, their families or practitioners can refer into Lancashire Young Carers which is ran by Barnardo’s. This service may be able to offer support for siblings of children experiencing EBSA. Find out more on the Barnardo’s Lancashire Young Carers website.
Adult mental health support can be found through Lancashire MIND and supporting services including free wellbeing coaching. For more information visit the Lancashire Mind website.
If you are concerned about your child’s mental health, you can visit your GP and they may be able to make a referral to the child and adolescent mental health team: Children and Young People’s Psychological Services: Lancashire and South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust website.
If you live in East Lancashire, parent/carers are able to make a referral to ELCAS. Further information can be found here: ELCAS Community Psychiatric Teams: East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust website.
If you have immediate concerns about your child’s mental health and feel they are in crisis take them to A&E straight away. You can also telephone the 24/7 mental health helpline: 0800 923 0110
Kooth – Online support for children and young people (where they can remain anonymous) aged 10-18 years, (25 if SEND) available Monday – Friday 2pm-10pm, Saturday – Sunday 6pm-10pm. Kooth website.
Lancashire Parent Carer forum – The forum brings together parents and carers from across Lancashire with an aim to ensure the needs of children and young people are met. Please see the website for further details Lancashire Parent Carer Forum website.