Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA)
There are various reasons why students do not attend school or find it hard to attend school. Some students will have low attendance because of illness or truancy, but others can find attending school difficult due to finding this very anxiety provoking.
Although there have been several terms used to describe this group of students, the term used here is Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA). This is different from truancy and other forms of non-attendance because a key aspect of the avoidance stems from significant levels of anxiety.
Students struggling with EBSNA can find it very challenging to attend school and some do not attend at all. Others demonstrate sporadic patterns of attendance, and some are able to attend successfully with modified timetables and high levels of support. To friends, family and others, the reasons for the anxiety and avoidance can be confusing and baffling and it is not always easy to know how to help or respond. For the young people experiencing anxiety, the feelings can be overwhelming, and the young person may feel trapped in a cycle of avoidance and feeling like they cannot cope with school life.
The information linked is in response to a recognition that many students, parents and professionals would benefit from a greater understanding of Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) and how it can be managed. Students struggling with EBSNA can be supported to make positive progress and with appropriate help, children and young people can learn ways of managing their anxieties.
Schools have received a pack of resources but please see link below to information which may be useful to you and professionals working with your child.