Emotionally Based School Avoidance
(EBSA)
Support for schools and MATs
With our support and training, your staff can have a better understanding of:
- whole school approaches to encourage prevention and early identification of EBSA.
- what causes and maintains EBSA.
- how SEND can contribute to EBSA.
- accommodations that schools could put in place to support children experiencing EBSA.
- how schools can support students with anxiety.
- how to create an effective plan of support.
- how to work with well with parents.
Training for schools and MATs
Some options are described below but get in touch to discuss bespoke training.
Introduction to EBSA for all staff
An introduction to EBSA for school staff. The training lasts approximately 60 minutes and can be delivered either face to face or in a webinar.
Whole school planning for EBSA for school leaders
Training for school leaders so they understand government expectations, the importance of early identification, smooth transitions, clarifying roles and responsibilities and planning pre-emptively.
EBSA training for those giving direct support to children and families.
This whole day face to face training is for the smaller number of staff (e.g. SENCOS, pastoral leads, TAs) who will be offering direct support to students with EBSA. It covers:
- how to find out what is making the young person anxious;
- what accommodations may be helpful, both in general and when supporting with specific issues such as separation anxiety, general anxiety, social anxiety, sensory overload etc;
- how to help young people to face their fears, including how to introduce a small steps programme;
- what a realistic support plan looks like, how often to review it;
- how to work with parents and families.
Support for individual children
Consultation for EBSA
60 minutes online or face to face discussion to talk though what the child finds worrying and to discuss possible next steps.
In depth assessment for EBSA
A full assessment of a child's strengths and needs, and a personalised plan to help the child feel less anxious about attending school.
Solution circles for EBSA
Opportunity for collaborative problem solving with colleagues, facilitated by an educational psychologist.
ELSA support for EBSA
Our ELSA training includes content on how to support students with EBSA.
Support for parents
EBSA can only be tackled effectively if both school and parents play their part. Parents have the crucial role of getting their children into school in the morning, often in the face of huge distress.
Parents often feel unsure how best to help their child with their worries. They may need their own support to help their child manage their anxiety at home and get them into school in the morning.
You may wish to signpost parents towards our online School Anxiety Support for parents. Contact me if you wish to discuss providing access to these courses for some of your parents.
School Anxiety Support
Online Community for Parents
Weekly online meet-ups for learning about EBSA, discussion, reflection, joint problem solving and emotional support.
