My child needs help in mainstream school

Here you will find information about what support your child should be getting at school and what to do if you feel they need more support.

My child is struggling to attend school

Some children especially since Covid 19 in 2020 have found it very difficult to attend school. This can be for a range of reasons.

Physical illness 

A child may be unable to attend school because of ongoing medical conditions or other physical or mental health issues. If a child is unable to attend school due to being medically unfit for 15 days or more, they may be eligible for our Home and Hospital support. Speak to your child's school about referring to the local authority to access this provision. 

Emotionally-Based School Non-Attendance(EBSNA) 

We receive a high number of calls from parents whose children are unable to access education because of anxiety or similar difficulties which can be linked to their special educational needs (SEN). Sometimes parents refer to it as 'school refusal' but is also known as Emotionally Based School Non-Attendance (EBSNA) or Emotionally Based School Avoidance (EBSA).

(EBSNA) or (EBSA) is a term used to describe children and young people who experience challenges in attending school due to negative feelings (such as anxiety). EBSNA is commonly associated with emotional and physical distress, and a reluctance to attend school, which can lead to reduced attendance and further anxiety regarding school.  Attending school may cause children with EBSNA to experience challenging emotional distress.  

If your child is experiencing EBSNA, speak to your school SENDCo. They will be able to offer practical advice and may seek further support from other professional services if needed such as Mental Health Team in School, CAMHS, School Nurse and or specialist teaching services in the local authority. 

See below a link to some excellent EBSA guidance produced by West Sussex Educational Psychology Service. 

West Sussex EBSA Guidance 

Parents choosing to let their child stay at home

Parents may allow their child to stay at home. This could be: 

  • to help with care 
  • following a disagreement with the school 
  • to keep their parent company 
  • to educate their child at home  

Information and support available for Young Carers can be found on Empowering Children and Transforming Lives - The Junction Foundation

Children choosing to stay at home

When a child chooses to stay at home, it may be called a self-determined absence when: 

  • there are no signs that the child is emotional distressed at the thought of attending school  
  • they are seeking a pleasant or rewarding experience by not attending school (sometimes this may be staying in their room)

Parents and carers may also be unaware of their child’s location. Parents should work with school and their attendance teams to resolve this situation. 
 
You can find practical ideas to support children and young people to attend school, including those with self-determined absence, on The Young Minds website.