‘Emotionally-based School Avoidance’ (EBSA) is a term referring to reduced or non-attendance at school by a child or young person due to their emotional needs. Rather than the term ‘school refusal’, the term EBSA recognises that this avoidance has its root in emotional, mental health or wellbeing issues. EBSA should not be thought of as a deliberate act of defiance, but instead as a complex issue inextricably linked with mental health and wellbeing.” (see Anna Freud Centre link further information: addressing-emotionally-based-school-avoidance-rebrand.pdf (annafreud.org).

Kent support for those experiencing EBSA

• Kent Educational Psychology Service (for EBSA support, including school and parent training, and intervention work with young people):
Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) - KELSI
• Kent Resilience Hub (wellbeing, resilience, including anxiety):
Kent Resilience Hub - Kent Resilience Hub
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND): Special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) - Kent County Council
• Minded (Resources to support young people with their mental health): www.minded.org.uk
• Autism Education Trust (AET) (Autism support, advice, training, including related to Autism and anxiety): www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk
• Kent Educational Psychology Service – anxiety webinar for parents/carers: Anxiety Webinar - Parents and Carers - YouTube
• Kent Educational Psychology Service – anxiety webinar for school staff: Anxiety Webinar - School Staff - YouTube 19
Relational Approaches: Guide and Toolkit
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