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Understanding why some children find it hard to go to school


What are the signs of EBSA? 

EBSA can look different for each child. Some behaviours may include:  

  • Frequent absences for minor illnesses or circumstances. 
  • Often feeling unwell. 
  • Difficulty separating from parents/carers. 
  • Difficulties sleeping. 
  • Friendship issues. 
  • Changes in personality and mood. 
  • Emotional volatility including tearfulness, irritability and anger. 
  • Poor academic attainment.
Signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance
Graphic with the title Signs of Emotionally Based School Avoidance and the words: feeling unwell; sleeping difficulties; separation worry; changes in mood; friendship issues; tearful, irritable or angry; low school performance and absence for small illnesses.

These behaviours are not necessarily indicators of EBSA and it is always important to consider behaviours in the wider context.