Emotionally Based School Absence (EBSA)

Presenting needs around EBSA occur when a young person has become anxious about attending school/college due to complex factors. It occurs along a continuum with some young people developing a pattern of anxiety around particular lessons to those who have not attended school/college for a significant period of time.

EBSA can often be associated with mental health needs such as anxiety, depression and separation anxiety. A young person with EBSA will likely experience more fears, worries, sleep difficulties, somatic complaints and social difficulties compared to their peers. EBSA can significantly interfere with academic and social development and can contribute to mental health difficulties later in life.

The Educational Psychology Service offers support for schools and colleges across the eight principles in the diagram below. Promoting children and young people's mental health and wellbeing - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).

1. EBSA ‘Lite’: A focused problem solving consultation with parent/carers and key staff around a CYP identified at risk of EBSA or already not attending school and a review meeting.
2. EBSA ‘Plus’: A more in-depth assessment which includes using psychological tools to gather views and holistic information from home, school, other agencies and the CYP (EBSA Plus). This would be coordinated by the Educational Psychologist (EP) with an identified member of staff and an action plan would be agreed in collaboration with all parties.
3. EBSA Support Pathway: EPs can also support planning with settings across the ‘Waves of Intervention’ to develop their own bespoke EBSA Support Pathway and they can deliver EBSA training flexibly to schools (in person or through pre-recorded videos). Please discuss any possible EBSA identified need and level of EP involvement with your link EP.