Understanding EBSA: Supporting Children Through Emotionally Based School Avoidance

School refusal isn’t new, but in recent years it has been on the rise. Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is one of the leading causes of children missing school, and it can be a deeply worrying experience for families.

This post explains what EBSA is, why it happens, your rights as a parent, and what you can do to support your child and work with the school to get them back into learning in a way that feels safe.

What Is EBSA?

EBSA stands for Emotionally Based School Avoidance. It describes situations where a child or young person struggles to attend school because of emotional distress.

Unlike truancy, EBSA is not about breaking rules or deliberately refusing school. Children with EBSA often want to attend but feel overwhelmed by anxiety, fear or stress connected with school.

Signs can include:

• Frequent complaints of stomach aches or headaches before school

• Panic attacks or crying in the mornings

• Withdrawal, low mood or emotional outbursts

• Long absences and reluctance to talk about school

Why Does EBSA Happen?

There is rarely a single cause of EBSA. It usually develops as a combination of factors that build up over time. Some common contributors include:

• Anxiety and mental health conditions - Generalised anxiety disorder, social anxiety, depression or separation anxiety can make school feel overwhelming.

• Sensory or environmental factors - Crowded corridors, noisy classrooms, bright lights or unpredictable routines can be distressing, especially for autistic pupils or those with sensory processing differences.

• Bullying or peer conflict - Fear of being teased, excluded or hurt can create a strong avoidance response.

• Academic pressure - Struggling to keep up with lessons, having undiagnosed learning difficulties, or feeling pressure to achieve can all increase stress.

• Changes at home or school - Divorce, bereavement, moving house or changing schools can trigger anxiety about leaving home or facing a new environment.

• Unmet SEND needs - When a child’s special educational needs are not fully recognised or supported, school can become an overwhelming place.

• Post-pandemic effects - Many children found returning to school after lockdown challenging, with increased social anxiety and difficulty re-adjusting to routines.

Your Child’s Rights in Law

When school avoidance happens, parents sometimes worry about fines or penalties for non-attendance. It is important to know that the law also provides protection and support for children who cannot attend school for health or emotional reasons.

• Education Act 1996, Section 19 - Local authorities must arrange suitable education for children of compulsory school age who, for reasons such as illness or “otherwise,” cannot attend school. Government guidance says that where it is clear a child will miss 15 or more school days (consecutively or across the year) because of health needs, including mental health, the local authority should arrange alternative provision as soon as possible.

• Equality Act 2010 - If a child’s anxiety, autism, or other condition has a long-term and significant impact on day-to-day life, it may be considered a disability. Schools then have a legal duty to make reasonable adjustments to ensure the child is not put at a substantial disadvantage.

• SEND Code of Practice (2015) - Schools must identify and support children with special educational needs. This may involve SEN Support, an Individual Education Plan, or applying for an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) if additional resources are needed.

• Flexibility and Phased Return - Parents can request a part-time timetable or a carefully planned phased return to support a child’s reintegration. These arrangements should be short-term, reviewed regularly, and designed to move towards full-time attendance when the child is ready.

Knowing these rights can help you feel confident in meetings with school staff and ensures your child receives fair support.

What Parents Can Do

1. Stay Calm and Listen

Your child’s feelings are very real. Let them talk about what worries them, and show that you are taking them seriously.

2. Work With the School

• Share what you are noticing at home

• Ask for a meeting with the SENCO, pastoral team or form tutor

• Discuss adjustments that might make school feel safer, such as a quiet space, a trusted adult, later start times or a phased return

3. Seek Professional Support

If anxiety is severe, speak to your GP. Early intervention from CAMHS or a school counsellor can be helpful.

4. Keep a Gentle Routine

Maintain regular sleep, meals and contact with friends where possible. If full school attendance is not possible, try to keep some learning going at home to reduce stress about falling behind.

5. Look After Yourself

Parenting a child with EBSA can be tiring. Reach out to support networks such as other parents, local support groups or charities including YoungMinds, Contact, or Not Fine in School.

And Finally…

EBSA is not a sign of poor parenting or bad behaviour. It is a signal that something in a child’s environment feels too difficult right now. With the right understanding, legal protections and support, most children can rebuild confidence and re-engage with school life at their own pace.