Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA) is a growing concern among children and adolescents, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and increasing academic, social and emotional pressures.

While exact figures on EBSA are difficult to pin down, a worrying trend is clear: persistent absence rates in secondary schools across England have almost doubled, rising from 10.9% in 2018–2019 to 21.2% in 2022–2023. This significant increase suggests that school avoidance, often rooted in emotional distress, is becoming a more widespread issue affecting students, families and schools.

Despite its growing prevalence, EBSA is not always well understood. Children may appear “fine” at home while quietly experiencing high levels of anxiety, overwhelm or depression. It’s essential to look beneath the surface.

Early Intervention is Key
Experts agree that early, emotionally attuned intervention can make a lasting difference. By addressing the root emotional causes of school avoidance, rather than just the behaviours, we can support children to gradually return to learning in a way that feels safe and sustainable for them.

How I Can Help
As a child and adolescent therapist, I provide:

• Compassionate support for children and young people struggling with school attendance
• Guidance for parents and carers to navigate complex education systems
• Assistance with Educational Health Care Plan (EHCP) processes
• Collaborative strategies with schools to develop tailored support plans

Whether you're just starting to notice signs of distress or have been battling school avoidance for some time, I’m here to help you find a way forward that places your child’s emotional wellbeing at the centre.