Understanding why some children find it hard to attend school

If a child or young person starts to feel worried about going to school, they might find it hard to go to lessons, or even avoid going to school altogether. They may become very stressed about attending school – this is called Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA). 

We’re pleased to announce the launch of a new section on our Education and families website dedicated to helping families dealing with EBSA. This initiative is part of DCC’s effort to support school attendance by providing timely and appropriate assistance. EBSA can be challenging for both children and their families. Many parents have shared their struggles in finding the right support. Our new website aims to simplify this process by offering a better understanding of EBSA, and providing practical advice. 

The website includes useful tips for parents on how to support their children at home and outlines the support they can expect from schools. It is divided into sections catering to children who occasionally miss school, those who frequently miss school, and those who do not attend at all. This ensures that parents can find specific guidance tailored to their child’s needs. Please feel free to share this resource with your parents devon.cc/ebsa

This website is a part of our broader strategy, which also includes training for school staff and redesigning services. We believe that collaborative efforts can significantly enhance the wellbeing and education of all children in Devon. You can visit the website using the link below, and we welcome your feedback. A complementary web resource for schools will be published in the Spring term.