EBSNA / EBSA Support

EBSA or EBSNA are terms that is often used to describe children and young people who are experiencing difficulties attending school. EBSA stands for Emotionally based school avoidance, whilst EBSNA stands for Emotionally based school non-attendance. Both terms try to support the understanding that non-attendance is not a choice, but an attempt to cope with the current difficulties attending school.  

We provide an assessment to support an understanding of a child or young person's difficulties attending school.  By gathering information from parents, school staff and the child or young person, we can build a picture of the factors that are impacting attendance. From this we can suggest practical next steps for supporting a child/young person, focussing on their well-being, social interaction and re-engagement with learning. 

At times, parents can need some additional support to discuss their current concerns and plan helpful ways forward. We can provide support and advice about next steps. 

Our work in schools means that we have a practical understanding of schools and the education system. We can support staff with understanding the needs of children and young people who are finding it difficult to attend school, helping them to consider practical next steps of support.

We can provide therapeutic support, based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the DNA-V model in order to support children and young people with their current difficulties. We can also support parents to learn about this approach so that they can support with this at home. 

We provide training to school staff so that they can develop a better understanding of EBSA / EBSNA and how to support children and young people.